Exact Density matrix of an oscillator-bath system: Alternative derivation

Abstract

Starting from a total Lagrangian describing an oscillator-bath system, a novel derivation of exact quantum propagator is presented. Having the quantum propagator, the exact density matrix, reduced density matrix of the main oscillator and thermal equilibrium fixed point are obtained. The problem is generalised to the cases where the main oscillator is under the influence of a classical external force. By introducing generalised auxiliary classical fields, the generalised quantum propagator or generating functional of position correlation functions is obtained.