Nonperturbative time-convolutionless quantum master equation from the path integral approach

J Chem Phys. 2009 Apr 7;130(13):134106. doi: 10.1063/1.3108521.

Abstract

The time-convolutionless quantum master equation is widely used to simulate reduced dynamics of a quantum system coupled to a bath. However, except for several special cases, applications of this equation are based on perturbative calculation of the dissipative tensor, and are limited to the weak system-bath coupling regime. In this paper, we derive an exact time-convolutionless quantum master equation from the path integral approach, which provides a new way to calculate the dissipative tensor nonperturbatively. Application of the new method is demonstrated in the case of an asymmetrical two-level system linearly coupled to a harmonic bath.