A random matrix model of relaxation

Abstract: We consider a two level system,

m a t h c a l S_{2}

, coupled to a general

n

level system,

m a t h c a l S_{n}

, via a random matrix. We derive an integral representation for the mean reduced density matrix

h o (t)

of

m a t h c a l S_{2}

in the limit

n o i n f t y

, and we identify a model of

m a t h c a l S_{n}

which possesses some of the properties expected for macroscopic thermal reservoirs. In particular, it yields the Gibbs form for

h o (i n f t y)

. We consider also an analog of the van Hove limit and obtain a master equation (Markov dynamics) for the evolution of

h o (t)

on an appropriate time scale.

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