English

Steady state coherence in a qubit is incompatible with a quantum map

Quantum Physics 2026-02-19 v2

Abstract

We consider the recent proposal of steady state coherences in a single qubit in the case of a composite system-bath interaction. Based on a field theoretical approach we reanalyse the issue within a Redfield description. We find that the Redfield approach in accordance with a recent proposal yields steady state coherences but also violates the properties of a quantum map yielding negative populations. The issue is resolved by applying the Lindblad equation which is in accordance with a proper quantum map. The Lindblad equation, however, also implies the absence of steady state coherence. We conclude that steady state coherence in a a qubit is incompatible with a quantum map.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2602.15790,
  title  = {Steady state coherence in a qubit is incompatible with a quantum map},
  author = {Hans C. Fogedby},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2602.15790},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

4 pages latex, 1 figure, 2. version, small change of abstract and email reference

R2 v1 2026-07-01T10:40:16.413Z