English

Generalized quantum master equation from memory kernel coupling theory

Chemical Physics 2026-05-26 v1 Quantum Physics

Abstract

The generalized quantum master equation provides a powerful framework for non-Markovian dynamics of open quantum systems. However, the accurate and efficient evaluation of the memory kernel remains a challenge. In this work, we introduce a comprehensive tensorial extension to the Memory Kernel Coupling Theory (MKCT) to overcome this bottleneck. By elevating the original scalar formalism to a tensorial framework, the extended MKCT enables the calculation of general expectation values and cross-correlation functions. We demonstrate the numerical accuracy and efficiency of this method across multiple benchmark systems: capturing transient populations and coherences in the spin-boson model, resolving the excitonic absorption spectrum of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson complex, and simulating charge mobility in one-dimensional lattice models. These successful applications establish the tensorial MKCT as a highly efficient tool for investigating complex dynamics in open quantum systems.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2603.01458,
  title  = {Generalized quantum master equation from memory kernel coupling theory},
  author = {Rui-Hao Bi and Wei Liu and Wenjie Dou},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2603.01458},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

29 pages, 7 figures

R2 v1 2026-07-01T10:58:31.858Z