The quantum correlations between a qubit and its environment are described quantitatively in terms of interatomic distance. Specifically, considering a realistic system of two two-level atoms and taking into account the dipole-dipole interaction and collective damping, the quantum entanglement and quantum discord are investigated during the dissipative process as functions of the interatomic distance. For atoms that are initially maximally entangled, it turns out that there is a critical distance at which each atom is maximally quantum correlated with its environment. Counterintuitively, the approach of the two atoms can maximize the entanglement between each one and the environment and, even at the same distance, minimize the loss of entanglement between the pair.

• Received 24 December 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.85.052315