Open quantum systems in Heisenberg picture

Abstract

In the framework of the Heisenberg picture, an alternative derivation of the reduced density matrix of a driven dissipative quantum harmonic oscillator as the prototype of an open quantum system is investigated. The reduced density matrix for different initial states of the combined system is obtained from a general formula, and different limiting cases are studied. Exact expressions for the corresponding characteristic function in quantum thermodynamics and Wigner quasi distribution function are found. A possible generalization based on the Magnus expansion of the evolution operator is presented.