Abstract:
Non-Markovian dynamics in open quantum systems is characterized by a time-non-locality in the equation of motion valid for the reduced density operator. An expansion of this density matrix equation with respect to Laguerre polynomials is used to tackle the time-non-locality. The applicability and the numerical limitations of the method are discussed in detail. In order to illuminate the characteristics of non-Markovian dynamics the reference example is studied of a single quantum degree of freedom moving in a harmonic potential and being embedded in a heat bath. If interpreted as the photoinduced dynamics of nuclear motion in polyatomic molecules we can suggest two clear signatures of non-Markovian dynamics observable in ultrafast optical experiments, firstly a pronounced and somewhat irregular oscillatory behavior of the vibrational level populations, and secondly a separation of the vibrational wavepacket into a double-structure.
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Received 12 April 2000 and Received in final form 2 September 2000
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Mančal, T., May, V. Non-Markovian relaxation in an open quantum system . Eur. Phys. J. B 18, 633–643 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s100510070012
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s100510070012