Thermalization in Open Quantum Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method for thermalizing open quantum systems using the Lindblad formalism, capable of producing Gibbs states and applicable to various system types, with insights into its limitations.

Contribution

A novel approach that thermalizes open quantum systems at the edges, satisfying fluctuation-dissipation relations and applicable to both integrable and non-integrable systems.

Findings

Method produces Gibbs states and satisfies fluctuation-dissipation relations.

Applicable to systems coupled to multiple reservoirs.

Highlights limitations of Lindblad approach in strongly driven systems.

Abstract

We study thermalization in open quantum systems using the Lindblad formalism. A method that both thermalizes and couples to Lindblad operators only at edges of the system is introduced. Our method leads to a Gibbs state of the system, satisfies fluctuation-dissipation relations, and applies both to integrable and non-integrable systems. Possible applications of the method include the study of systems coupled locally to multiple reservoirs. Our analysis also highlights the limits of applicability of the Lindblad approach to study strongly driven systems.