Exact finite-time correlation functions for multiterminal setups: Connecting theoretical frameworks for quantum transport and thermodynamics

Transport in open quantum systems can be explored through various theoretical frameworks, including the quantum master equation, scattering matrix, and Heisenberg equation of motion. The choice of framework depends on factors such as the presence of interactions, the coupling strength between the sy...

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Main Authors: Gianmichele Blasi, Shishir Khandelwal, Géraldine Haack
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: American Physical Society 2024-11-01
Series:Physical Review Research
Online Access:http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.043091
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author Gianmichele Blasi
Shishir Khandelwal
Géraldine Haack
author_facet Gianmichele Blasi
Shishir Khandelwal
Géraldine Haack
author_sort Gianmichele Blasi
collection DOAJ
description Transport in open quantum systems can be explored through various theoretical frameworks, including the quantum master equation, scattering matrix, and Heisenberg equation of motion. The choice of framework depends on factors such as the presence of interactions, the coupling strength between the system and environment, and whether the focus is on steady-state or transient regimes. Existing literature mainly treats these frameworks independently. Our work establishes connections between them by clarifying the role and status of these approaches using two paradigmatic models for single and multipartite quantum systems in a two-terminal setup under voltage and temperature biases. We derive analytical solutions in both steady-state and transient regimes for the populations, currents, and current correlation functions. Exact results from the Heisenberg equation are shown to align with scattering matrix and master equation approaches within their respective validity regimes. Crucially, we establish a protocol for the weak-coupling limit, bridging the applicability of master equations at weak-coupling with Heisenberg or scattering matrix approaches at arbitrary coupling strength.
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spelling doaj-art-4838a798100b4948ab42eb5ddc4c3bc42025-08-20T02:18:36ZengAmerican Physical SocietyPhysical Review Research2643-15642024-11-016404309110.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.043091Exact finite-time correlation functions for multiterminal setups: Connecting theoretical frameworks for quantum transport and thermodynamicsGianmichele BlasiShishir KhandelwalGéraldine HaackTransport in open quantum systems can be explored through various theoretical frameworks, including the quantum master equation, scattering matrix, and Heisenberg equation of motion. The choice of framework depends on factors such as the presence of interactions, the coupling strength between the system and environment, and whether the focus is on steady-state or transient regimes. Existing literature mainly treats these frameworks independently. Our work establishes connections between them by clarifying the role and status of these approaches using two paradigmatic models for single and multipartite quantum systems in a two-terminal setup under voltage and temperature biases. We derive analytical solutions in both steady-state and transient regimes for the populations, currents, and current correlation functions. Exact results from the Heisenberg equation are shown to align with scattering matrix and master equation approaches within their respective validity regimes. Crucially, we establish a protocol for the weak-coupling limit, bridging the applicability of master equations at weak-coupling with Heisenberg or scattering matrix approaches at arbitrary coupling strength.http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.043091
spellingShingle Gianmichele Blasi
Shishir Khandelwal
Géraldine Haack
Exact finite-time correlation functions for multiterminal setups: Connecting theoretical frameworks for quantum transport and thermodynamics
Physical Review Research
title Exact finite-time correlation functions for multiterminal setups: Connecting theoretical frameworks for quantum transport and thermodynamics
title_full Exact finite-time correlation functions for multiterminal setups: Connecting theoretical frameworks for quantum transport and thermodynamics
title_fullStr Exact finite-time correlation functions for multiterminal setups: Connecting theoretical frameworks for quantum transport and thermodynamics
title_full_unstemmed Exact finite-time correlation functions for multiterminal setups: Connecting theoretical frameworks for quantum transport and thermodynamics
title_short Exact finite-time correlation functions for multiterminal setups: Connecting theoretical frameworks for quantum transport and thermodynamics
title_sort exact finite time correlation functions for multiterminal setups connecting theoretical frameworks for quantum transport and thermodynamics
url http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.043091
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AT geraldinehaack exactfinitetimecorrelationfunctionsformultiterminalsetupsconnectingtheoreticalframeworksforquantumtransportandthermodynamics