Finite-bath open quantum systems: Exact dynamics

In this study, we introduce a method for deriving exact master equations from the dynamical map for finite open quantum systems coupled to (in)finite reservoirs, using the principle of minimal dissipation. The exact dynamics of the central spin model, which models a finite-bath open quantum system, is developed for two interaction types: Heisenberg and stochastic pure-dephasing interactions. The Heisenberg interaction yields a novel phase-covariant quantum channel in the strong-coupling regime, offering a new platform for studying a range of quantum information protocols. The stochastic pure-dephasing interaction provides the microscopic derivation of the paradigmatic non-Markovian random telegraph noise (RTN) channel, establishing its quantum foundation and offering insight into stochastic couplings. We derive the closed-form master equations for both models. As a demonstration, we explore the thermodynamic performance of these systems as quantum batteries. A direct relationship between quantum heat current and charging power is revealed, and RTN quantum batteries are shown to have advantages in charge storage.