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arXiv:quant-ph/0306193 · Journal of Optics B Quantum and Semiclassical Optics

Misbeliefs and misunderstandings about the non-Markovian dynamics of a damped harmonic oscillator

Sabrina Maniscalco, F. Intravaia, Jyrki Piilo, ANTONINO MESSINA

Published Mar 1, 2004• 39 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We use the exact solution for the damped harmonic oscillator to discuss some relevant aspects of its open dynamics are often misunderstood. We compare two different approximations both referred to as a rotating wave approximation. Using a specific example, we clarify some issues related to non-Markovian dynamics, non-Lindblad-type dynamics, and positivity of the density matrix.

DOI
10.1088/1464-4266/6/3/016

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We use the exact solution for the damped harmonic oscillator to discuss some relevant aspects of its open dynamics are often misunderstood. We compare two different approximations both referred to as a rotating wave approximation. Using a specific example, we clarify some issues related to non-Markovian dynamics, non-Lindblad-type dynamics, and positivity of the density matrix.
The system of one harmonic oscillator interacting with a continuum is studied. The problem is solved for two cases: the exact (full) Hamiltonian and the truncated Hamiltonian [the rotating-wave approximation (RWA)]. Comparing these two solutions, we formulate the conditions of the applicability of the RWA. The case in which the solution can be treated as Markovian is also discussed. The conditions for the existence of discrete levels are obtained. It was shown that under certain conditions, nonoscillating terms in the solution, leading to the instability of the whole system, can exist. Such terms cannot be obtained within either the Markovian or the rotating-wave approximation. Two particular cases of coupling are proposed and the results of numerical simulations are discussed.
We study the non-Markovian dynamics of a damped oscillator coupled with a reservoir. We present exact formulas for the oscillator's evolution directly from the BCH formula by series expansion with neither Markovian nor rotating wave approximation (RWA). Based on these, we show the existence of the non-Markovian feature of the system's evolution for the damped oscillator. By numerical simulation we find that the non-Markovian feature exists within a wide range of the coupling strength, even when the coupling strength is very small. To this problem, prior art results have assumed RWA and the existence of non-Markovian feature was found when the system-reservoir coupling is strong enough. However, as we show, given such a strong coupling, the original Hamiltonian without RWA is actually not physical. Therefore, our exact study here has thoroughly concluded the issue of non-Markovian feature.
The quantum fluctuation-dissipation theorem is a central ingredient in the construction of quantum dynamics of Brownian motion which necessarily is non-Markovian. Yet, often Markovian approximations to quantum dynamics are studied in the literature. In this work, we investigate the limitations of the Markovian approximation within two paradigmatic models describing a single damped harmonic oscillator. These models are governed by distinct quantum Langevin equations, although both are constructed to satisfy the same set of phenomenological criteria: the canonical commutation relations between position and momentum, the Kubo response relation, the virial theorem, and the equilibrium quantum variance. The limitations of the Markovian approximation are underscored by the classical limit, violations of the Ehrenfest theorem, the breakdown of complete and simple positivity in the reconstructed master equations, and anomalies in thermalisation behaviour. Further phenomenological differences between the two models are illustrated through their quantum relaxation dynamics and phase diagrams, derived from their reinterpretation as mean-field approximations of a many-body interacting magnet. Our analysis explicitly reveals intrinsic inconsistencies introduced by the Markovian approximation, emphasising the need for non-Markovian frameworks for a consistent description of open quantum dynamics.
Abstract The quantum fluctuation-dissipation theorem is a central ingredient in the construction of quantum dynamics of Brownian motion which necessarily is non -Markovian. Yet, often Markovian approximations to quantum dynamics are studied in the literature. In this work, we investigate the limitations of the Markovian approximation within two paradigmatic models describing a single damped harmonic oscillator. These models are governed by distinct quantum Langevin equations, although both are constructed to satisfy the same set of phenomenological criteria: the canonical commutation relations between position and momentum, the Kubo response relation, the virial theorem, and the equilibrium quantum variance. The limitations of the Markovian approximation are underscored by the classical limit, violations of the Ehrenfest theorem, the breakdown of complete and simple positivity in the reconstructed master equations, and anomalies in thermalisation behaviour. Further phenomenological differences between the two models are illustrated through their quantum relaxation dynamics and phase diagrams, derived from their reinterpretation as mean-field approximations of a many-body interacting magnet. Our analysis explicitly reveals intrinsic inconsistencies introduced by the Markovian approximation, emphasising the need for non -Markovian frameworks for a consistent description of open quantum dynamics.
The interrelationship between the non-Markovian stochastic Schr\"odinger equations and the corresponding non-Markovian master equations is investigated in the finite-temperature regimes. We show that the general finite-temperature non-Markovian trajectories can be used to derive the corresponding non-Markovian master equations. A simple, yet important solvable example is the well-known damped harmonic oscillator model in which a harmonic oscillator is coupled to a finite-temperature reservoir in the rotating-wave approximation. The exact convolutionless master equation for the damped harmonic oscillator is obtained by averaging the quantum trajectories, relying upon no assumption of coupling strength or time scale. The master equation derived in this way automatically preserves the positivity, Hermiticity, and unity.