Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

De Gruyter eBooks

Fractional quantum mechanics of open quantum systems

Vasily Evgenevich Tarasov

Published Feb 18, 2019• 6 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Fractional dynamics of open quantum systems with power-law memory is described. We show that the quantum processes can demonstrate a universal dynamic behavior caused by the effects of power-law fading memory. We propose generalizations of time-ordered exponential and time-ordered product for processes with powerlaw memory. As examples, we consider equations of the N-level open quantum system with memory, quantum oscillator with friction and memory. The solutions of the corresponding fractional differential equations with derivatives of noninteger orders are obtained.

DOI
10.1515/9783110571721-011

Related papers

Quantum Maps with Memory from Generalized Lindblad Equation

Vasily Evgenevich Tarasov

In this paper, we proposed the exactly solvable model of non-Markovian dynamics of open quantum systems. This model describes open quantum systems with memory and periodic sequence of kicks by environment. To describe these systems, the Lindblad equation for quantum observable is generalized by taking into account power-law fading memory. Dynamics of open quantum systems with power-law memory are considered. The proposed generalized Lindblad equations describe non-Markovian quantum dynamics. The quantum dynamics with power-law memory are described by using integrations and differentiation of non-integer orders, as well as fractional calculus. An example of a quantum oscillator with linear friction and power-law memory is considered. In this paper, discrete-time quantum maps with memory, which are derived from generalized Lindblad equations without any approximations, are suggested. These maps exactly correspond to the generalized Lindblad equations, which are fractional differential equations with the Caputo derivatives of non-integer orders and periodic sequence of kicks that are represented by the Dirac delta-functions. The solution of these equations for coordinates and momenta are derived. The solutions of the generalized Lindblad equations for coordinate and momentum operators are obtained for open quantum systems with memory and kicks. Using these solutions, linear and nonlinear quantum discrete-time maps are derived.

Entropy•Apr 28, 2021•16 citations

A Fractional Calculus Framework for Open Quantum Dynamics: From Liouville to Lindblad to Memory Kernels

Bo Peng, Yu Zhang

Open quantum systems exhibit dynamics ranging from unitary evolution to irreversible dissipation. While the Gorini--Kossakowski--Sudarshan--Lindblad (GKSL) equation uniquely characterizes Markovian CPTP evolution, many physical platforms display non-Markovian features such as algebraic relaxation and coherence backflow. Fractional calculus provides a natural way to model such long-memory behavior through power-law temporal kernels introduced by fractional time derivatives. Here we develop a unified framework that embeds fractional master equations within the broader hierarchy of open-system formalisms. The fractional equation forms a structured subclass of memory-kernel models, reduces to the Lindblad form at unit order, and, through Bochner--Phillips subordination, admits a CPTP representation as an average over Lindblad semigroups. Its resolvent structure further connects fractional dynamics to established non-Markovian approaches, including Nakajima--Zwanzig kernels and hierarchical equations of motion, providing a compact surrogate for long-memory effects. This formulation positions fractional calculus as a rigorous and practical language for quantum dynamics with intrinsic memory, supporting both analytical insight and efficient quantum simulation.

quant-pharXiv:2511.13038•The Journal of Chemical Physics•Nov 18, 2025•3 citations

Nonlocal quantum mechanics: fractional calculus approach

Nick Laskin

We show that a quantum system with long-range interparticle interaction can be described by invoking fractional calculus tools. The system under consideration is nonlocal exciton-phonon quantum dynamics on a 1D lattice. It has been shown that long-range power-law exciton-exciton interaction leads to a nonlocal integral term in the motion equation of an exciton subsystem if we go from discrete to continuous space. In some particular cases for power-law interaction with noninteger power, the nonlocal integral term can be expressed through a spatial derivative of fractional order. Considering exciton-phonon dynamics with long-range exciton-exciton interaction, we have obtained the system of two coupled equations, where one is the quantum fractional differential equation for the exciton subsystem while the other is a standard differential equation for the phonon subsystem. It has been found that the system of two coupled equations can be further simplified to come up with the following fractional nonlinear equations of motion: nonlinear fractional Schrödinger equation, nonlinear Hilbert-Schrödinger equation, fractional generalization of Zakharov system, and fractional Ginzburg-Landau equation. The appearance of fractional differential equations in the continuum limit of lattice dynamics allows us to apply powerful tools of fractional calculus to study nonlocal quantum phenomena.

De Gruyter eBooks•Feb 18, 2019•13 citations

Non-Markovian Dynamics of Time-Fractional Open Quantum Systems

Wei, Dongmei, Hailing Liu, Li, Yongmei +3 more

Applications of Time-Fractional Schrodinger Equations (TFSEs) to quantum processes are instructive for understanding and describing the time behavior of real physical systems. By applying three popular TFSEs, namely Naber's TFSE I, Naber's TFSE II, and XGF's TFSE, to a basic open system model of a two-level system (qubit) coupled resonantly to a dissipative environment, we solve exactly for Time-Fractional Single Qubit Open Systems (TFSQOSs). However, the three TFSEs perform badly for the following reasons. On the other hand, in the respective frameworks of the three TFSEs, the total probability for obtaining the system in a single-qubit state is not equal to one with time at fractional order, implying that time-fractional quantum mechanics violates quantum mechanical probability conservation. On the other hand, the latter two TFSEs are not capable of describing the non-Markovian dynamics of the system at all fractional order, only at some fractional order. To address this, we introduce a well-performed TFSE by constructing a new analytic continuation of time combined with the conformable fractional derivative, in which for all fractional order, not only does the total probability for the system equal one at all times but also the non-Markovian features can be observed throughout the time evolution of the system. Furthermore, we study the performances of the four TFSEs applying to an open system model of two isolated qubits each locally interacting with its dissipative environment. By deriving the exact solutions for time-fractional two qubits open systems, we show that our TFSE still possesses the above two advantages compared with the other three TFSEs.

arXiv:2312.10488•Dec 16, 2023•0 citations

General Non-Markovian Quantum Dynamics

Vasily Evgenevich Tarasov

A general approach to the construction of non-Markovian quantum theory is proposed. Non-Markovian equations for quantum observables and states are suggested by using general fractional calculus. In the proposed approach, the non-locality in time is represented by operator kernels of the Sonin type. A wide class of the exactly solvable models of non-Markovian quantum dynamics is suggested. These models describe open (non-Hamiltonian) quantum systems with general form of nonlocality in time. To describe these systems, the Lindblad equations for quantum observable and states are generalized by taking into account a general form of nonlocality. The non-Markovian quantum dynamics is described by using integro-differential equations with general fractional derivatives and integrals with respect to time. The exact solutions of these equations are derived by using the operational calculus that is proposed by Yu. Luchko for general fractional differential equations. Properties of bi-positivity, complete positivity, dissipativity, and generalized dissipativity in general non-Markovian quantum dynamics are discussed. Examples of a quantum oscillator and two-level quantum system with a general form of nonlocality in time are suggested.

Entropy•Jul 31, 2021•46 citations

Time-Fractional Evolution of Quantum Dense Coding Under Amplitude Damping Noise

Chuanjin Zu, Baoxiong Xu, Hao He +2 more

In this paper, we investigate the memory effects introduced by the time-fractional Schrödinger equation proposed by Naber on quantum entanglement and quantum dense coding under amplitude damping noise. Two formulations are analyzed: one with fractional operations applied to the imaginary unit and one without. Numerical results show that the formulation without fractional operations on the imaginary unit may be more suitable for describing non-Markovian (power-law) behavior in dissipative environments. This finding provides a more physically meaningful interpretation of the memory effects in time-fractional quantum dynamics and indirectly addresses fundamental concerns regarding the violation of unitarity and probability conservation in such frameworks. Our work offers a new perspective for the application of fractional quantum mechanics to realistic open quantum systems and shows promise in supporting the theoretical modeling of decoherence and information degradation.

Fractal and Fractional•Jul 30, 2025•1 citation
Fractional dynamics of open quantum systems with power-law memory is described. We show that the quantum processes can demonstrate a universal dynamic behavior caused by the effects of power-law fading memory. We propose generalizations of time-ordered exponential and time-ordered product for processes with powerlaw memory. As examples, we consider equations of the N-level open quantum system with memory, quantum oscillator with friction and memory. The solutions of the corresponding fractional differential equations with derivatives of noninteger orders are obtained.
In this paper, we proposed the exactly solvable model of non-Markovian dynamics of open quantum systems. This model describes open quantum systems with memory and periodic sequence of kicks by environment. To describe these systems, the Lindblad equation for quantum observable is generalized by taking into account power-law fading memory. Dynamics of open quantum systems with power-law memory are considered. The proposed generalized Lindblad equations describe non-Markovian quantum dynamics. The quantum dynamics with power-law memory are described by using integrations and differentiation of non-integer orders, as well as fractional calculus. An example of a quantum oscillator with linear friction and power-law memory is considered. In this paper, discrete-time quantum maps with memory, which are derived from generalized Lindblad equations without any approximations, are suggested. These maps exactly correspond to the generalized Lindblad equations, which are fractional differential equations with the Caputo derivatives of non-integer orders and periodic sequence of kicks that are represented by the Dirac delta-functions. The solution of these equations for coordinates and momenta are derived. The solutions of the generalized Lindblad equations for coordinate and momentum operators are obtained for open quantum systems with memory and kicks. Using these solutions, linear and nonlinear quantum discrete-time maps are derived.
Open quantum systems exhibit dynamics ranging from unitary evolution to irreversible dissipation. While the Gorini--Kossakowski--Sudarshan--Lindblad (GKSL) equation uniquely characterizes Markovian CPTP evolution, many physical platforms display non-Markovian features such as algebraic relaxation and coherence backflow. Fractional calculus provides a natural way to model such long-memory behavior through power-law temporal kernels introduced by fractional time derivatives. Here we develop a unified framework that embeds fractional master equations within the broader hierarchy of open-system formalisms. The fractional equation forms a structured subclass of memory-kernel models, reduces to the Lindblad form at unit order, and, through Bochner--Phillips subordination, admits a CPTP representation as an average over Lindblad semigroups. Its resolvent structure further connects fractional dynamics to established non-Markovian approaches, including Nakajima--Zwanzig kernels and hierarchical equations of motion, providing a compact surrogate for long-memory effects. This formulation positions fractional calculus as a rigorous and practical language for quantum dynamics with intrinsic memory, supporting both analytical insight and efficient quantum simulation.
We show that a quantum system with long-range interparticle interaction can be described by invoking fractional calculus tools. The system under consideration is nonlocal exciton-phonon quantum dynamics on a 1D lattice. It has been shown that long-range power-law exciton-exciton interaction leads to a nonlocal integral term in the motion equation of an exciton subsystem if we go from discrete to continuous space. In some particular cases for power-law interaction with noninteger power, the nonlocal integral term can be expressed through a spatial derivative of fractional order. Considering exciton-phonon dynamics with long-range exciton-exciton interaction, we have obtained the system of two coupled equations, where one is the quantum fractional differential equation for the exciton subsystem while the other is a standard differential equation for the phonon subsystem. It has been found that the system of two coupled equations can be further simplified to come up with the following fractional nonlinear equations of motion: nonlinear fractional Schrödinger equation, nonlinear Hilbert-Schrödinger equation, fractional generalization of Zakharov system, and fractional Ginzburg-Landau equation. The appearance of fractional differential equations in the continuum limit of lattice dynamics allows us to apply powerful tools of fractional calculus to study nonlocal quantum phenomena.
Applications of Time-Fractional Schrodinger Equations (TFSEs) to quantum processes are instructive for understanding and describing the time behavior of real physical systems. By applying three popular TFSEs, namely Naber's TFSE I, Naber's TFSE II, and XGF's TFSE, to a basic open system model of a two-level system (qubit) coupled resonantly to a dissipative environment, we solve exactly for Time-Fractional Single Qubit Open Systems (TFSQOSs). However, the three TFSEs perform badly for the following reasons. On the other hand, in the respective frameworks of the three TFSEs, the total probability for obtaining the system in a single-qubit state is not equal to one with time at fractional order, implying that time-fractional quantum mechanics violates quantum mechanical probability conservation. On the other hand, the latter two TFSEs are not capable of describing the non-Markovian dynamics of the system at all fractional order, only at some fractional order. To address this, we introduce a well-performed TFSE by constructing a new analytic continuation of time combined with the conformable fractional derivative, in which for all fractional order, not only does the total probability for the system equal one at all times but also the non-Markovian features can be observed throughout the time evolution of the system. Furthermore, we study the performances of the four TFSEs applying to an open system model of two isolated qubits each locally interacting with its dissipative environment. By deriving the exact solutions for time-fractional two qubits open systems, we show that our TFSE still possesses the above two advantages compared with the other three TFSEs.
A general approach to the construction of non-Markovian quantum theory is proposed. Non-Markovian equations for quantum observables and states are suggested by using general fractional calculus. In the proposed approach, the non-locality in time is represented by operator kernels of the Sonin type. A wide class of the exactly solvable models of non-Markovian quantum dynamics is suggested. These models describe open (non-Hamiltonian) quantum systems with general form of nonlocality in time. To describe these systems, the Lindblad equations for quantum observable and states are generalized by taking into account a general form of nonlocality. The non-Markovian quantum dynamics is described by using integro-differential equations with general fractional derivatives and integrals with respect to time. The exact solutions of these equations are derived by using the operational calculus that is proposed by Yu. Luchko for general fractional differential equations. Properties of bi-positivity, complete positivity, dissipativity, and generalized dissipativity in general non-Markovian quantum dynamics are discussed. Examples of a quantum oscillator and two-level quantum system with a general form of nonlocality in time are suggested.
In this paper, we investigate the memory effects introduced by the time-fractional Schrödinger equation proposed by Naber on quantum entanglement and quantum dense coding under amplitude damping noise. Two formulations are analyzed: one with fractional operations applied to the imaginary unit and one without. Numerical results show that the formulation without fractional operations on the imaginary unit may be more suitable for describing non-Markovian (power-law) behavior in dissipative environments. This finding provides a more physically meaningful interpretation of the memory effects in time-fractional quantum dynamics and indirectly addresses fundamental concerns regarding the violation of unitarity and probability conservation in such frameworks. Our work offers a new perspective for the application of fractional quantum mechanics to realistic open quantum systems and shows promise in supporting the theoretical modeling of decoherence and information degradation.