Quantum thermo-dynamical construction for driven open quantum systems

TL;DR

This paper develops a thermodynamically consistent quantum master equation for driven open systems, emphasizing the role of initial coherence and deriving a semi-classical limit for practical analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a new axiomatic thermodynamic framework for quantum dynamics, incorporating control as an autonomous quantum system and deriving a semi-classical limit.

Findings

The master equation is compatible with quantum and thermodynamic principles.

Initial coherence in control states is crucial for system dynamics.

Application to a qubit controlled by a bosonic mode demonstrates the theory.

Abstract

Quantum dynamics of driven open systems should be compatible with both quantum mechanic and thermodynamic principles. By formulating the thermodynamic principles in terms of a set of postulates we obtain a thermodynamically consistent master equation. Following an axiomatic approach, we base the analysis on an autonomous description, incorporating the drive as a large transient control quantum system. In the appropriate physical limit, we derive the semi-classical description, where the control is incorporated as a time-dependent term in the system Hamiltonian. The transition to the semi-classical description reflects the conservation of global coherence and highlights the crucial role of coherence in the initial control state. We demonstrate the theory by analyzing a qubit controlled by a single bosonic mode in a coherent state.