Abstract
A post-Markovian quantum master equation is derived, which includes bath memory effects via a phenomenologically introduced memory kernel . The derivation uses as a formal tool a probabilistic single-shot bath-measurement process performed during the coupled system-bath evolution. The resulting analytically solvable master equation interpolates between the exact Nakajima-Zwanzig equation and the Markovian Lindblad equation. A necessary and sufficient condition for complete positivity in terms of properties of is presented, in addition to a prescription for the experimental determination of . The formalism is illustrated with examples.
- Received 12 April 2004
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.71.020101
©2005 American Physical Society