Damped Quantum Interference using Stochastic Calculus

Abstract

It is shown how the phase-damping master equation, either in Markovian and nonMarkovian regimes, can be obtained as an averaged random unitary evolution. This, apart from offering a common mathematical setup for both regimes, enables us to solve this equation in a straightforward manner just by solving the Schrodinger equation and taking the stochastic expectation value of its solutions after an adequate modification. Using the linear entropy as a figure of merit (basically the loss of quantum coherence) the distinction of four kinds of environments is suggested.

7 pages, 1 ps figure