Dissipation in Periodically Driven Quantum Systems: Partial Secularization and Thermodynamic Consistency

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2608.00225v1
• Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:14:59 GMT
• Title: Dissipation in Periodically Driven Quantum Systems: Partial Secularization and Thermodynamic Consistency
• Abstract summary: Periodically driven open quantum systems are central to quantum thermodynamics and quantum control.<n>We show that such a strong secular approximation may lead to unphysical predictions for steady state energy currents.<n>A coarse-grained formulation of the master equation can regularize these issues while yielding completely positive dynamics and consistent energy currents.
• Score: 0.47248250311484113
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Abstract: Periodically driven open quantum systems are central to quantum thermodynamics and quantum control. These systems are typically described using Floquet-Born-Markov master equations, derived with the use of a full secular approximation, and whose thermodynamic implications are often overlooked. In this context, we show that such a strong secular approximation may lead to unphysical predictions for steady state energy currents. We then demonstrate that a coarse-grained formulation of the master equation can regularize these issues while yielding completely positive dynamics and consistent energy currents. The coarse-graining time has a clear physical interpretation, as it defines the temporal resolution at which a Markovian master equation can describe the evolution of the periodically driven system. We show the consistency and validity of our approach by comparing to an exact non-Markovian simulation in paradigmatic examples: a driven two-level system and a three-level maser coupled to hot and cold thermal reservoirs. Our work provides a practical framework for correctly applying the secular approximation in periodically driven-dissipative systems and for assessing the accuracy of master equations of the GKSL form.

Related papers

• Fluctuations of path-dependent thermodynamic quantities in open quantum systems via two-point system-only measurements [39.146761527401424]
  We propose a method to evaluate general thermodynamic fluctuations in open quantum systems.<n>Our approach allows one to obtain exact equalities for fluctuations of path-dependent thermodynamic quantities such as work and heat.<n>We look explicitly at the shape and size of the correction factors to Jarzynski's equality for a qubit undergoing phase covariant dynamics.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2026-04-29T16:23:44Z)
• Quantum stochastic thermodynamics in the mesoscopic-leads formulation [0.0]
  We introduce a numerical method to sample the distributions of charge, heat, and entropy production in open quantum systems.<n>Our method exploits the mesoscopic-leads formulation, where macroscopic reservoirs are modeled by a finite collection of modes.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-04-09T16:17:48Z)
• Dynamically Emergent Quantum Thermodynamics: Non-Markovian Otto Cycle [49.1574468325115]
  We revisit the thermodynamic behavior of the quantum Otto cycle with a focus on memory effects and strong system-bath couplings. Our investigation is based on an exact treatment of non-Markovianity by means of an exact quantum master equation.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-08-18T11:00:32Z)
• Quantum Thermal State Preparation [39.91303506884272]
  We introduce simple continuous-time quantum Gibbs samplers for simulating quantum master equations. We construct the first provably accurate and efficient algorithm for preparing certain purified Gibbs states. Our algorithms' costs have a provable dependence on temperature, accuracy, and the mixing time.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-03-31T17:29:56Z)
• Full counting statistics and coherences: fluctuation symmetry in heat transport with the Unified quantum master equation [0.0]
  We investigate statistics of energy currents through open quantum systems with nearly degenerate levels. We find that maintaining coherences between nearly degenerate levels is essential for the properly capturing the current and its cumulants.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-12-21T19:01:52Z)
• Quantum thermodynamics with fast driving and strong coupling via the mesoscopic leads approach [0.0]
  Understanding the thermodynamics of driven quantum systems strongly coupled to thermal baths is a central focus of quantum thermodynamics and mesoscopic physics. The mesoscopic leads approach was recently generalised to steady state thermal machines and has the ability to replicate Landauer B"uttiker theory in the non-interacting limit.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-06-02T15:15:59Z)
• Gauge Quantum Thermodynamics of Time-local non-Markovian Evolutions [77.34726150561087]
  We deal with a generic time-local non-Markovian master equation. We define current and power to be process-dependent as in classical thermodynamics. Applying the theory to quantum thermal engines, we show that gauge transformations can change the machine efficiency.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-04-06T17:59:15Z)
• Fast Thermalization from the Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis [69.68937033275746]
  Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis (ETH) has played a major role in understanding thermodynamic phenomena in closed quantum systems. This paper establishes a rigorous link between ETH and fast thermalization to the global Gibbs state. Our results explain finite-time thermalization in chaotic open quantum systems.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-12-14T18:48:31Z)
• Quantum thermodynamics under continuous monitoring: a general framework [0.0]
  We provide an introduction to the general theoretical framework to establish and interpret thermodynamics for quantum systems. Main quantities such as work, heat, and entropy production can be defined at the level of thermodynamics. The connection to irreversibility and fluctuation theorems is also discussed, together with some recent developments.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-12-03T17:02:53Z)
• Open-system approach to nonequilibrium quantum thermodynamics at arbitrary coupling [77.34726150561087]
  We develop a general theory describing the thermodynamical behavior of open quantum systems coupled to thermal baths. Our approach is based on the exact time-local quantum master equation for the reduced open system states.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-09-24T11:19:22Z)
• From geometry to coherent dissipative dynamics in quantum mechanics [68.8204255655161]
  We work out the case of finite-level systems, for which it is shown by means of the corresponding contact master equation. We describe quantum decays in a 2-level system as coherent and continuous processes.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-07-29T18:27:38Z)
• Thermodynamics of Optical Bloch Equations [0.0]
  We study the coherent exchange of energy between a quantum bit (qubit) and a quasi-resonant driving field in the presence of a thermal bath. We coarse-grain the obtained expressions, using a methodology similar to the derivation of the dynamical master equation. Our findings can be readily extended to larger open quantum systems.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2020-01-22T14:37:05Z)

This list is automatically generated from the titles and abstracts of the papers in this site.

This site does not guarantee the quality of this site (including all information) and is not responsible for any consequences.