Abstract
A small system in contact with a macroscopic environment usually approaches an asymptotic state, determined only by some macroscopic properties of the environment such as the temperature or the chemical potential. In the long-time limit, the state of the small system is thus expected to be independent of its initial state. In some situations, however, the asymptotic state of the system is influenced by its initial state and some information about the initial state is kept for all times. Motivated by this finding, we propose a measure to quantify the influence of the initial state of an open system on its dynamics. Using this measure we derive conditions under which the asymptotic state exists and is unique. We demonstrate our concepts for the dynamics of the spin-boson model, identify three qualitatively different long-time behaviors, and discuss how they can be distinguished based on the proposed measure.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.