Abstract

We consider the problem of a single quantum oscillator coupled linearly to a heat bath of independent harmonic modes. An exact solution is presented for the system-oscillator observables of interest. The exact results are then used to evaluate the utility of a variational approach to the problem that has proven useful recently in elucidating the dynamics of dissipatively coupled systems. We find that the variational approach does provide a good description for most, but not all, observables of interest. Both the exact and the variational treatment demonstrate the important role played by the low-frequency bath modes in determining qualitative features of the dynamical behavior.

Department(s)

Physics

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0021-9606

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Final Version

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1987 American Institute of Physics (AIP), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Feb 1987

Included in

Physics Commons

Share

 
COinS