We analyze the quantum evolution represented by a time-dependent family of generalized Pauli channels. This evolution is provided by the random decoherence channels with respect to the maximal number of mutually unbiased bases. We derive the necessary and sufficient conditions for the vanishing back-flow of information.

A broad class of informationally complete symmetric measurements is introduced. It can be understood as a common generalization of symmetric, informationally complete positive operator-valued measures and mutually unbiased bases. Additionally, it provides a natural way to define two more families of mutually unbiased symmetric measurement operators in any finite dimension. We show a general method of their construction, together with an example of an optimal measurement. Finally, we analyze the properties of symmetric measurements and provide applications in entropic relations and entanglement detection.

In matrix algebras, we introduce a class of linear maps that are irreducibly covariant with respect to the finite group generated by the Weyl operators. In particular, we analyze the irreducibly covariant quantum channels, that is, the completely positive and trace-preserving linear maps. Interestingly, imposing additional symmetries leads to the so-called generalized Pauli channels, which were recently considered in the context of the non-Markovian quantum evolution. Finally, we provide examples of irreducibly covariant positive but not necessarily completely positive maps.

We analyze the evolution of open quantum systems governed by time-local master equations beyond the Markovian semigroup. Non-Markovian effects are usually attributed to the negativity of some decoherence rates in the time-dependent generator. For the qubit dynamics, it is well known that there can be one permanently negative rate in the so-called eternally non-Markovian evolution. We show that for qudits one can have (d − 1)² out of the total d ² − 1 rates that are always negative, and the evolution is still physically legitimate—that is, represented by a completely positive, trace-preserving dynamical map.

In this paper we analyze the evolution of generalized Pauli channels governed by the memory kernel master equation. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the memory kernel to give rise to legitimate (completely positive and trace-preserving) quantum evolution. In particular, we analyze a class of kernels generating the quantum semi-Markov evolution, which is a natural generalization of the Markovian semigroup. Interestingly, the convex combination of Markovian semigroups goes beyond the semi-Markov case. Our analysis is illustrated with several examples.

Finding the classical capacity of a quantum channel is not easy, yet we are able to analytically calculate this capacity for new channels. We analyze the bounds of the Holevo capacity and classical capacity for the generalized Pauli channels. In particular, by generalizing earlier results for the Weyl channels, we obtain the lower and upper bounds of the Holevo capacity and show that, if these bounds coincide, the Holevo capacity is weakly additive. We also prove the weak additivity of the lower bound. Two new examples of the generalized Pauli channels with known classical capacity are presented. Finally, we relate the change rate of the classical capacity to the P-divisibility of Pauli channels.