Generalized Quantum Master Equation from Memory Kernel Coupling Theory
The generalized quantum master equation provides a powerful framework for non-Markovian dynamics of open quantum systems. However, the accurate and efficient evaluation of the memory kernel remains a challenge. In this work, we introduce a comprehensive tensorial extension to the memory kernel coupling theory (MKCT) to overcome this bottleneck. By elevating the original scalar formalism to a tensorial framework, the extended MKCT enables the calculation of general expectation values and cross-correlation functions. We demonstrate the numerical accuracy and efficiency of this method across multiple benchmark systems: capturing transient populations and coherences in the spin-boson model, resolving the excitonic absorption spectrum of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson complex, and simulating charge mobility in one-dimensional lattice models. These successful applications establish the tensorial MKCT as a highly efficient tool for investigating complex dynamics in open quantum systems.
Authors
- Ruihao Bi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7135-5368)
- Wei Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7686-929X)
- Wenjie Dou
Institutions
- Westlake University (CN)
- Institute for Advanced Study (DE)
- Institute of Natural Science (KP)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation
- Published
- 2026-04-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jctc.6c00386
- Primary Topic
- Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province