Weak-coupling limits of the quantum Langevin equation for an oscillator

Abstract

The quantum Langevin equation as obtained from the independent-oscillator model describes a strong-coupling situation, devoid of the Born-Markov approximation that is employed in the context of the Gorini-Kossakowski-Sudarshan-Lindblad equation. The question we address is what happens when we implement such 'Born-Markov'-like approximations at the level of the quantum Langevin equation for a harmonic oscillator which carries a noise term satisfying a fluctuation-dissipation theorem. In this backdrop, we also comment on the rotating-wave approximation.