The Theory of Open Quantum Systems

The behaviour of quantum mechanical systems is often strongly influenced by the coupling to their surroundings. While a complete microscopic description or control of the environment is not feasible in many cases, an open system's approach, which aims at a description in terms of a reduced set of dynamical variables, has proved to be extremely useful. The physics of open quantum systems plays a major role in experimental and theoretical developments of quantum mechanics. It allows numerous applications which range over many branches of modern physics, from fundamental question of quantum mechanics to technological applications in quantum information processing. Written for graduate students, lecturers and readers with research interests, this book provides a comprehensive and self-contained introduction into the main ideas and concepts of the quantum theory of open system, in addition to developing advanced analytical methods and computer simulation techniques.