Non-Hermitian quantum dynamics of a two-level system and models of dissipative environments

TL;DR

This paper models a two-level quantum system interacting with a dissipative environment using a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian, analyzing its dynamics and various decay processes through analytical solutions.

Contribution

It introduces a general non-Hermitian Hamiltonian framework for two-level systems coupled to environments, enabling the study of diverse dissipative phenomena.

Findings

Analytical expressions for population difference and coherence.

Identification of different decay types and their physical implications.

Ability to simulate dephasing, population vanishing, and purification processes.

Abstract

We consider a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian in order to effectively describe a two-level system coupled to a generic dissipative environment. The total Hamiltonian of the model is obtained by adding a general anti-Hermitian part, depending on four parameters, to the Hermitian Hamiltonian of a tunneling two-level system. The time evolution is formulated and derived in terms of the normalized density operator of the model, different types of decays are revealed and analyzed. In particular, the population difference and coherence are defined and calculated analytically. We have been able to mimic various physical situations with different properties, such as dephasing, vanishing population difference and purification.