Generalized Master Equations for Driven System

Abstract

Time-convolutionless forms of the quantal master equations for driven open system are derived from the Liouville equation for the total system under an arbitrary initial condition for the two cases of weak external driving fields and of arbitrary ones. They have forms convenient for the perturbational expansions, and are respectively compared with the time-convolution forms of equations in the lowest Born approximation for the interaction (Remark: Graphics omitted.) of the system with its surroundings. It is shown that the time-convolutionless forms of equations prevail over the time-convolution ones, and that the conventional Markoffian approximation for the latter in the narrowing limit leads to the incorrect conclusion. The time-convolutionless form of master equation is expanded up to n-th order in powers of the external driving fields in the lowest Born approximation for (Remark: Graphics omitted.).