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Quantum mechanics of dissipative systems
1Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong. yyan@ust.hk
Annual Review of Physical Chemistry
|March 31, 2005
Summary
This review explores quantum dissipation theories, focusing on approximations for energy relaxation and decoherence. An unconventional formulation is favored for its balance of accuracy and applicability in quantum systems.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Mechanics
- Chemical Physics
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Quantum dissipation describes energy relaxation and decoherence towards thermal equilibrium.
- Existing theoretical prescriptions for quantum dissipation lack simplicity for exact application.
- Approximation schemes are commonly employed across different theoretical formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review theoretical and application aspects of perturbative quantum dissipation formulations.
- To compare second-order accurate but high-order nonequivalent formulations.
- To highlight an unconventional formulation combining merits of time-local and memory-kernel approaches.
Main Methods:
- Examination of perturbative formulations for quantum dissipation.
- Analysis of system-bath coupling contributions in different orders.
- Evaluation of formulation applicability concerning parameters, non-Markovian dynamics, and temperature.
Main Results:
- Identified nonequivalence in high-order contributions among second-order accurate formulations.
- Favored an unconventional formulation over conventional time-local and memory-kernel prescriptions.
- Demonstrated the importance of correlated driving and dissipation effects.
Conclusions:
- The unconventional formulation offers a practical balance for quantum dissipation studies.
- Correlated driving and dissipation are crucial for accurate dynamics and response function calculations.
- Further research into advanced formulations is needed for complex quantum systems.