Effective description of open quantum dynamics in relativistic scattering

TL;DR

This paper derives a Poincaré-invariant GKSL generator describing open quantum dynamics in relativistic scattering, with applications to particle decay, annihilation, and scattering processes, highlighting the role of superposition states.

Contribution

It provides a novel derivation of a Poincaré-symmetric GKSL generator for relativistic quantum scattering processes, including explicit examples and their dependence on physical parameters.

Findings

GKSL generator describes scalar particle decay and scattering.

Probability of pair annihilation depends on superposition states.

Generator exhibits Poincaré symmetry, suitable for long-term dynamics.

Abstract

The open dynamics of quantum particles in relativistic scattering is investigated. In particular, we consider the scattering process of quantum particles coupled to an environment initially in a vacuum state. Tracing out the environment and using the unitarity of S-operator, we find the Gorini-Kossakowski-Sudarshan-Lindblad (GKSL) generator describing the evolution of the particles. The GKSL generator is exemplified by focusing on the concrete processes: one is the decay of scalar particle ($\phi \rightarrow \chi \chi$), and the others are the pair annihilation and the $2\rightarrow 2$ scattering of scalar particles ($\phi \phi \rightarrow \chi \chi$ and $\phi \phi \rightarrow \phi \phi$). The GKSL generator for $\phi \rightarrow \chi \chi$ has a parameter with the coupling between $\phi$ and $\chi$ and the mass of both fields. The GKSL generator associated with $\phi \phi \rightarrow \chi \chi$ is characterized by a Lorentz-invariant function of initial momenta. Especially, in the pair annihilation process, we show that the probability of pair annihilation varies depending on the superposition state of incident scalar $\phi$ particles. Furthermore, we observe that the GKSL generators derived in this paper have Poincar\'e symmetry. This means that the description by the GKSL generator with Poincar\'e symmetry is effective for the asymptotic behavior of open quantum dynamics in the long-term processes of interest.