The Langevin equation for a quantum heat bath (Q2370624)

The authors construct the continuous-time limit of the Hamiltonian interaction of a quantum system with an exterior system in a state \(\rho\) (typically a Gibbs state) at discrete time intervals of length \(h\). Under suitable scaling assumptions expressed in terms of \(h\) they derive the quantum Langevin equations and construct the Linblad generator describing the continuous time quantum measurements associated with the action of the exterior system. New quantum noises, termed thermal noises, are identified in this process. This extends previous results by [\textit{S. Attal} and \textit{Y. Pautrat}, Ann. Henri Poincaré 7, No. 1, 59--104 (2006; Zbl 1099.81040)] in which the case where \(\rho\) is a pure state has been considered.