Non-equilibrium spin-boson model: Counting statistics and the heat exchange fluctuation theorem

Abstract

We focus on the non-equilibrium two-bath spin-boson model, a toy model for examining quantum thermal transport in many-body open systems. Describing the dynamics within the noninteracting-blip approximation equations, applicable, e.g., in the strong system-bath coupling limit and/or at high temperatures, we derive expressions for the cumulant generating function in both the Markovian and non-Markovian limits by energy-resolving the quantum master equation of the subsystem. For a Markovian bath, we readily demonstrate the validity of a steady-state heat exchange fluctuation theorem. In the non-Markovian limit a "weaker" symmetry relation generally holds, a general outcome of microreversibility. We discuss the reduction of this symmetry relation to the universal steady-state fluctuation theorem. Using the cumulant generating function, an analytic expression for the heat current is obtained. Our results establish the validity of the steady-state heat exchange fluctuation theorem in quantum systems with strong system-bath interactions. From the practical point of view, this study provides tools for exploring transport characteristics of the two-bath spin-boson model, a prototype for a nonlinear thermal conductor.