Perturbation theory for operational quantum non-Markovianity

Abstract

The definition of memory in operational approaches to quantum non-Markovianity depends on the statistical properties of different sets of outcomes related to successive measurement processes performed over the system of interest. Using projectors techniques we develop a perturbation theory that enables to expressing both joint probabilities and outcome correlations in terms of the unperturbed system density matrix propagator. This object defines the open system dynamics in absence of measurement processes. Successive series terms, which are scaled by the system-environment interaction strength, consist in a convolution structure involving system propagators weighted by higher order bath correlations. The formalism is corroborated by studying different dynamics that admit an exact description. Using the perturbative approach, unusual memory effects induced by the interplay between the system-environment interaction and measurement processes are found in finite temperature reservoirs.