Fokker-Planck quantum master equation for mixed quantum-semiclassical dynamics.

We revisit Caldeira-Leggett's quantum master equation representing mixed quantum-classical theory, but with limited applications. Proposed is a Fokker-Planck quantum master equation theory, with a generic bi-exponential correlation function description on semiclassical Brownian oscillators' environments. The new theory has caustic terms that bridge between the quantum description on primary systems and the semiclassical or quasi-classical description on environments. Various parametrization schemes, both analytical and numerical, for the generic bi-exponential environment bath correlation functions are proposed and scrutinized. The Fokker-Planck quantum master equation theory is of the same numerical cost as the original Caldeira-Leggett's approach but acquires a significantly broadened validity and accuracy range, as illustrated against the exact dynamics on model systems in quantum Brownian oscillators' environments, at moderately low temperatures.

Minimum-exponents ansatz for molecular dynamics and quantum dissipation.

A unified theory for minimum exponential-term ansatzes on bath correlation functions is proposed for numerically efficient and physically insightful treatments of non-Markovian environment influence on quantum systems. For a general Brownian oscillator bath of frequency Ω and friction ζ, the minimum ansatz results in the correlation function a bi-exponential form, with the effective Ω¯ and friction ζ¯ being temperature dependent and satisfying Ω¯/Ω=(ζ¯/ζ)1/2=r¯BO/rBO≤ 1, where r¯BO=ζ¯/(2Ω¯) and rBO=ζ/(2Ω). The maximum value of r¯BO=rBO can effectively be reached when kBT≥ 0.8Ω. The bi-exponential correlation function can further reduce to single-exponential form, in both the diffusion (rBO≫1) limit and the pre-diffusion region that could occur when rBO≥ 2. These are remarkable results that could be tested experimentally. Moreover, the impact of the present work on the efficient and accuracy controllable evaluation of non-Markovian quantum dissipation dynamics is also demonstrated.

Optimizing hierarchical equations of motion for quantum dissipation and quantifying quantum bath effects on quantum transfer mechanisms.

We present an optimized hierarchical equations of motion theory for quantum dissipation in multiple Brownian oscillators bath environment, followed by a mechanistic study on a model donor-bridge-acceptor system. We show that the optimal hierarchy construction, via the memory-frequency decomposition for any specified Brownian oscillators bath, is generally achievable through a universal pre-screening search. The algorithm goes by identifying the candidates for the best be just some selected Padé spectrum decomposition based schemes, together with a priori accuracy control criterions on the sole approximation, the white-noise residue ansatz, involved in the hierarchical construction. Beside the universal screening search, we also analytically identify the best for the case of Drude dissipation and that for the Brownian oscillators environment without strongly underdamped bath vibrations. For the mechanistic study, we quantify the quantum nature of bath influence and further address the issue of localization versus delocalization. Proposed are a reduced system entropy measure and a state-resolved constructive versus destructive interference measure. Their performances on quantifying the correlated system-environment coherence are exemplified in conjunction with the optimized hierarchical equations of motion evaluation of the model system dynamics, at some representing bath parameters and temperatures. Analysis also reveals the localization to delocalization transition as temperature decreases.

Optimized hierarchical equations of motion theory for Drude dissipation and efficient implementation to nonlinear spectroscopies.

Hierarchical equations of motion theory for Drude dissipation is optimized, with a convenient convergence criterion proposed in advance of numerical propagations. The theoretical construction is on the basis of a Padé spectrum decomposition that has been qualified to be the best sum-over-poles scheme for quantum distribution function. The resulting hierarchical dynamics under the a priori convergence criterion are exemplified with a benchmark spin-boson system, and also the transient absorption and related coherent two-dimensional spectroscopy of a model exciton dimer system. We combine the present theory with several advanced techniques such as the block hierarchical dynamics in mixed Heisenberg-Schrödinger picture and the on-the-fly filtering algorithm for the efficient evaluation of third-order optical response functions.

Biexponential theory of Drude dissipation via hierarchical quantum master equation.

A nonperturbative quantum dissipation theory is developed based on an optimal construction of biexponential Drude bath correlation function for its influence on the system dynamics. It is an advanced hierarchical quantum master equation approach, aiming at a numerically efficient non-Markovian quantum dissipation propagator, with the support of a convenient criterion to estimate in advance its accuracy for general systems. Compared to its low level, single-exponential counterpart [R. X. Xu et al., J. Chem. Phys. 131, 214111 (2009)], the present theory remarkably improves the applicability range over all-parameter space, as tested critically with electron transfer and frequency-dispersed transient absorption of exciton dimer model systems.