Open quantum systems coupled to finite baths: A hierarchy of master equations

Generalized Hamiltonian of mean-force approach to open quantum systems coupled to finite baths in thermoequilibrium

The prevailing method for addressing strong-coupling thermodynamics typically involves open quantum systems coupled to infinite baths in equilibrium through the Hamiltonian of mean force (HMF). However, its applicability to finite baths remains limited. In this work, we transcend this limit by considering the impacts of system-bath coupling which is not only on the system but also on the finite bath feedback. When the bath and system sizes are comparable, they act as each other's effective 'bath'. We introduce a parameter α within [0,1], where α and 1-α act as weighting factors to distribute the system-bath coupling between the system and the bath. Our approach innovatively incorporates the effect of coupling on the respective effective 'bath' into both the system and bath in the statistical factor form. We generalize the HMF and propose quantum Hamiltonians of mean forces to handle the distributed coupling of the system to finite baths. The additional parameter α is determined by minimizing the joint free energy density and is a new thermodynamic quantity representing the finite bath's influence. Examining the damped quantum harmonic oscillator with a finite bath, we find that α affects both states, leading to a complex phase diagram with unique phenomena at critical temperatures T_{L} and T_{R}, including valleys, peaks, negative values, and discontinuities in entropy and specific heat. Notably, these anomalies disappear when α→1, both at high temperatures and in the thermodynamic limit, indicating the negligible influence of coupling on the bath states and reverting to the HMF. Thus, studying finite-sized baths holds substantial significance in small quantum systems.

Modeling the dynamics of quantum systems coupled to large-dimensional baths using effective energy states

The quantum dynamics of a low-dimensional system in contact with a large but finite harmonic bath is theoretically investigated by coarse-graining the bath into a reduced set of effective energy states. In this model, the couplings between the system and the bath are obtained from statistically averaging over the discrete, degenerate effective states. Our model is aimed at intermediate bath sizes in which non-Markovian processes and energy transfer between the bath and the main system are important. The method is applied to a model system of a Morse oscillator coupled to 40 harmonic modes. The results are found to be in excellent agreement with the direct quantum dynamics simulations presented in the work of Bouakline et al. [J. Phys. Chem. A 116, 11118-11127 (2012)], but at a much lower computational cost. Extension to larger baths is discussed in comparison to the time-convolutionless method. We also extend this study to the case of a microcanonical bath with finite initial internal energies. The computational efficiency and convergence properties of the effective bath states model with respect to relevant parameters are also discussed.

Stochastic Thermodynamics of a Quantum Dot Coupled to a Finite-Size Reservoir

In nanoscale systems coupled to finite-size reservoirs, the reservoir temperature may fluctuate due to heat exchange between the system and the reservoirs. To date, a stochastic thermodynamic analysis of heat, work, and entropy production in such systems is, however, missing. Here we fill this gap by analyzing a single-level quantum dot tunnel coupled to a finite-size electronic reservoir. The system dynamics is described by a Markovian master equation, depending on the fluctuating temperature of the reservoir. Based on a fluctuation theorem, we identify the appropriate entropy production that results in a thermodynamically consistent statistical description. We illustrate our results by analyzing the work production for a finite-size reservoir Szilard engine.

Lasting effects of static magnetic field on classical Brownian motion

The Bohr-Van Leeuwen theorem states that an external static magnetic field does not influence the state of a classical equilibrium system: There is no equilibrium classical magnetism, since the magnetic field does not do work. We revisit this famous no-go result and consider a classical charged Brownian particle interacting with an equilibrium bath. We confirm that the Bohr-Van Leeuwen theorem holds for the long-time (equilibrium) state of the particle. But the external static, homogeneous magnetic field does influence the long-time state of the thermal bath, which is described via the Caldeira-Leggett model. In particular, the magnetic field induces an average angular momentum for the (uncharged) bath, which separates into two sets rotating in opposite directions. The effect relates to the bath going slightly out of equilibrium under the influence of the Brownian particle and persists for arbitrarily long times. In this context we studied the behavior of the two other additive integrals of motion, energy, and linear momentum. The situation with linear momentum is different, because it is dissipated away by (and from) the bath modes. The average energy of the bath mode retains the magnetic field as a small correction. Thus, only the bath angular momentum really feels the magnetic field for long times.