Wave-function approach to Master equations for quantum transport and measurement

TL;DR

This paper reviews the wave-function approach for deriving number-resolved Master equations in mesoscopic quantum transport, clarifying assumptions and emphasizing the high bias condition for validity.

Contribution

It provides important clarifications and amendments to the derivation of Master equations, extending previous work by removing the weak coupling assumption.

Findings

Derivation does not require weak coupling with environment.

High bias condition is sufficient for Markovian Master equations.

Clarifies subtle points in the derivation process.

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the wave-function approach for derivation of the number-resolved Master equations, used for description of transport and measurement in mesoscopic systems. The review contains important amendments, clarifying subtle points in derivation of the Master equations and their validity. This completes the earlier works on the subject. It is demonstrated that the derivation does not assume weak coupling with the environment and reservoirs, but needs only high bias condition. This condition is very essential for validity of the Markovian Master equations, widely used for a phenomenological description of different physical processes.