Linear response theory for a pseudo-Hermitian system-reservoir interaction

Abstract

We present here an extension of the Caldeira-Leggett linear response model considering a pseudo-Hermitian -symmetric system-reservoir interaction. Our generalized Feynman-Vernon functional, derived from the -symmetric coupling, accounts for two influence channels: a velocity-dependent one, which can act in reverse, providing energy to the system instead of draining it as usual, and an acceleration-dependent drain, analogue to the radiation-emission process. Therefore, an adequate choice of the Hamiltonian's parameters may allow the system to extract energy from the reservoir even at absolute zero for a period that may be much longer than the characteristic relaxation time. After this energy supply, the system is driven to a steady state whose energy is necessarily higher than the thermodynamic equilibrium energy due to the velocity-dependent pump. This heating mechanism of the system is more pronounced the more distant from the hermiticity is its coupling with the reservoir. An analytical derivation of the high-temperature master equation is provided helping us to better understand the whole scenario and to compute the associated relaxation and decoherence rates.