Repeated interactions in open quantum systems (Q2879376)

Repeated interaction systems (RIS) are models of non-equilibrium quantum statistical mechanics the special features of which make that it is possible to determine large times asymptotic properties which are special features of stationary systems out of equilibrium. The paper deals with various regimes of (RIS) in which the strength of the coupling, the duration of each interaction and several interactions can be coupled in ways that are reminiscent of a weak coupling or Van Hove limit in continuous Hamiltonian systems. One first defines RIS, and then one considers their asymptotic state and various limiting regimes. Later one displays two realistic systems which show the effectiveness of repeated interaction in some systems modelling. One considers the thermodynamic properties of RI systems, and then, one proposes an alternative description of RIS in the framework of algebraic quantum statistical mechanics. The paper concludes with an analysis of the relations between RIS and the quantum measurement process.