Exact quantum dissipative dynamics under external time-dependent driving fields

Abstract

An exact and nonperturbative quantum master equation can be constructed via the calculus on the path integral. It results in hierarchical equations of motion for the reduced density operator. Involved also are a set of well-defined auxiliary density operators that resolve not just the system-bath coupling strength but also memory. In this work, we scale these auxiliary operators individually to achieve a uniform error tolerance, as set by the reduced density operator. An efficient propagator is then proposed to the hierarchical Liouville-space dynamics of quantum dissipation. Numerically exact studies are carried out on the dephasing effect on population transfer in the simple stimulated Raman adiabatic passage scheme. We also make assessments on several perturbative theories for their applicabilities in the present system of study. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft.