A multi-site variational master equation approach to dissipative energy transfer

Unitary transformations can allow one to study open quantum systems in situations for which standard, weak-coupling type approximations are not valid. We develop here an extension of the variational (polaron) transformation approach to open system dynamics, which applies to arbitrarily large exciton...

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Main Authors: Felix A Pollock, Dara P S McCutcheon, Brendon W Lovett, Erik M Gauger, Ahsan Nazir
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IOP Publishing 2013-01-01
Series:New Journal of Physics
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/15/7/075018
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author Felix A Pollock
Dara P S McCutcheon
Brendon W Lovett
Erik M Gauger
Ahsan Nazir
author_facet Felix A Pollock
Dara P S McCutcheon
Brendon W Lovett
Erik M Gauger
Ahsan Nazir
author_sort Felix A Pollock
collection DOAJ
description Unitary transformations can allow one to study open quantum systems in situations for which standard, weak-coupling type approximations are not valid. We develop here an extension of the variational (polaron) transformation approach to open system dynamics, which applies to arbitrarily large exciton transport networks with local environments. After deriving a time-local master equation in the transformed frame, we go on to compare the population dynamics predicted using our technique with other established master equations. The variational frame dynamics are found to agree with both weak coupling and full polaron master equations in their respective regions of validity. In parameter regimes considered difficult for these methods, the dynamics predicted by our technique are found to interpolate between the two. The variational method thus gives insight, across a broad range of parameters, into the competition between coherent and incoherent processes in determining the dynamical behaviour of energy transfer networks.
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spelling doaj.art-f84b75894029425ca364d86e83111ad52023-08-08T11:28:34ZengIOP PublishingNew Journal of Physics1367-26302013-01-0115707501810.1088/1367-2630/15/7/075018A multi-site variational master equation approach to dissipative energy transferFelix A Pollock0Dara P S McCutcheon1Brendon W Lovett2Erik M Gauger3Ahsan Nazir4Atomic and Laser Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford , Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UKDepartamento de Física, FCEyN, UBA and IFIBA, Conicet Pabellón 1, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UKSUPA, Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University , Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; Department of Materials, Oxford University , Oxford OX1 3PH, UKDepartment of Materials, Oxford University , Oxford OX1 3PH, UK; Centre for Quantum Technologies, National University of Singapore , 3 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117543, SingaporeBlackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UKUnitary transformations can allow one to study open quantum systems in situations for which standard, weak-coupling type approximations are not valid. We develop here an extension of the variational (polaron) transformation approach to open system dynamics, which applies to arbitrarily large exciton transport networks with local environments. After deriving a time-local master equation in the transformed frame, we go on to compare the population dynamics predicted using our technique with other established master equations. The variational frame dynamics are found to agree with both weak coupling and full polaron master equations in their respective regions of validity. In parameter regimes considered difficult for these methods, the dynamics predicted by our technique are found to interpolate between the two. The variational method thus gives insight, across a broad range of parameters, into the competition between coherent and incoherent processes in determining the dynamical behaviour of energy transfer networks.https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/15/7/075018
spellingShingle Felix A Pollock
Dara P S McCutcheon
Brendon W Lovett
Erik M Gauger
Ahsan Nazir
A multi-site variational master equation approach to dissipative energy transfer
New Journal of Physics
title A multi-site variational master equation approach to dissipative energy transfer
title_full A multi-site variational master equation approach to dissipative energy transfer
title_fullStr A multi-site variational master equation approach to dissipative energy transfer
title_full_unstemmed A multi-site variational master equation approach to dissipative energy transfer
title_short A multi-site variational master equation approach to dissipative energy transfer
title_sort multi site variational master equation approach to dissipative energy transfer
url https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/15/7/075018
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