On the relation between the singular and the weak coupling limits

Abstract

After having recalled some definitions concerning quantum stochastic processes and, in particular, quantum Brownian motions, a general scheme is introduced which allows a unified approach to the weak coupling and singular coupling limits. The analogies and differences between the two are discussed. The main difference consists of the fact that, in the singular coupling limit, the use of a Hamiltonian unbounded below seems to be unavoidable, while this is not the case for the weak coupling limit.