On the Assumption of Initial Factorization in the Master Equation for Weakly Coupled Systems I: General Framework
arXiv:quant-ph/0602184 · doi:10.1016/j.aop.2006.06.004
Abstract
We analyze the dynamics of a quantum mechanical system in interaction with a reservoir when the initial state is not factorized. In the weak-coupling (van Hove) limit, the dynamics can be properly described in terms of a master equation, but a consistent application of Nakajima-Zwanzig's projection method requires that the reference (not necessarily equilibrium) state of the reservoir be endowed with the mixing property.
33 pages