Quantum Semi-Markov Processes

Heinz-Peter Breuer and Bassano Vacchini
Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 140402 – Published 2 October 2008

Abstract

We construct a large class of non-Markovian master equations that describe the dynamics of open quantum systems featuring strong memory effects, which relies on a quantum generalization of the concept of classical semi-Markov processes. General conditions for the complete positivity of the corresponding quantum dynamical maps are formulated. The resulting non-Markovian quantum processes allow the treatment of a variety of physical systems, as is illustrated by means of various examples and applications, including quantum optical systems and models of quantum transport.

  • Received 8 July 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.140402

©2008 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Heinz-Peter Breuer1,2 and Bassano Vacchini3

  • 1Physikalisches Institut, Universität Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 3, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
  • 2Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg, Institute for Advanced Study, D-27753 Delmenhorst, Germany
  • 3Dipartimento di Fisica dell’Università di Milano and INFN Sezione di Milano, Via Celoria 16, I-20133 Milano, Italy

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Issue

Vol. 101, Iss. 14 — 3 October 2008

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