A master equation description of open systems. III

Ravinder Rupchand Puri, S. V. Lawande

An Min Wang

We investigate the exact solution, perturbation theory and master equation of open system dynamics based on our serial studies on quantum mechanics in general quantum systems [An Min Wang, quant-ph/0611216 and quant-ph/0611217]. In a system-environment separated representation, a general and explicit solution of open system dynamics is obtained, and it is an exact solution since it includes all order approximations of perturbation. In terms of the cut-off approximation of perturbation and our improved scheme of perturbation theory, the improved form of the perturbed solution of open systems absorbing the partial contributions from the high order even all order approximations is deduced. Moreover, only under the factorizing initial condition, the exact master equation including all order approximations is proposed. Correspondingly, the perturbed master equation and its improved form different from the existed master equation are given. In special, the Redfield master equation is derived out without using Born-Markov approximation. The solution of open system dynamics in the Milburn model is also gained. As examples, Zurek model of two-state open system and its extension with two transverse fields are studied.

L. A. Lugiato, M. Milani

Andreu Riera-Campeny, Anna Sanpera, Philipp Strasberg

An open quantum system in contact with an infinite bath approaches equilibrium, while the state of the bath remains unchanged. If the bath is finite, the open system still relaxes to equilibrium but it induces a dynamical evolution of the bath state. In this paper, we study the dynamics of open quantum systems in contact with finite baths. We obtain a hierarchy of master equations that improve their accuracy by including more dynamical information of the bath. For instance, as the least accurate but simplest description in the hierarchy, we obtain the conventional Born-Markov-secular master equation. Remarkably, our framework works even if the measurements of the bath energy are imperfect, which not only is more realistic but also unifies the theoretical description. Also, we discuss this formalism in detail for a particular noninteracting environment where the Boltzmann temperature and the Kubo-Martin-Schwinger relation naturally arise. Finally, we apply our hierarchy of master equations to study the central spin model.

P. Schwendimann

Yi-Chong Ren, Hong-Yi Fan

We describe a new approach called Ket-Bra Entangled State (KBES) Method which enables one convert master equations into Schrödinger-like equation. In sharply contrast to the super-operator method, the KBES method is applicable for any master equation of finite-level system in theory, and the calculation can be completed by computer. With this method, we obtain the exact dynamic evolution of a radioactivity damped 2-level atom in time-dependent external field, and a 3-level atom coupled with bath; Moreover, the master equation of N-qubits Heisenberg chain each qubit coupled with a reservoir is also resolved in Sec.III; Besides, the paper briefly discuss the physical implications of the solution.