Does temperature favor quantum coherence of a dissipative two-level system?

Abstract

The quantum dynamics of a two-level system coupled to an Ohmic spin- bath is studied by means of the perturbation approach based on a unitary transformation. A scattering function $\xi_k$ is introduced in the transformation to take into account quantum fluctuations. By the master equation within the Born approximation, nonequilibrium dynamics quantities are calculated. The method works well for the coupling constant $0 < \alpha < \alpha_c$ and a finite bare tunneling $\Delta$. It is found that (i) only at zero temperature with small coupling or moderate one does the spin-spin-bath model display identical behavior as the well known spin-boson-bath model; (ii) in comparison with the known results of spin-boson-bath model, the coherence-incoherence transition point, which occurs at $\alpha_c={1/2}[1+\eta\Delta/\omega_c]$, is temperature independent; (iii) the nonequilibrium correlation function $P(t)=<\tau_z(t)>$, evolves without temperature dependence while $<\tau_x(t)>$ depends on temperature. Both $P(t)$ and $<\tau_x(t)>$ not only satisfy their initial conditions, respectively, and also have correct long time limits. Besides, the Shiba's relation and sum rule are exactly satisfied in the coherent regime for this method. Our results show that increasing temperature does not help the system suppress decoherence in the coherent regime, i.e., finite temperature does not favor the coherent dynamics in this regime. Thus, the finite-temperature dynamics induced by two kinds of baths spin-bath and boson-bath exhibit distinctly different physics.