How Does One Derive Equation (8.27) from (8.26) in Gerry's Quantum Optics Text?

In summary, the conversation is discussing a calculation in Chapter 8.5 of Gerry's book "Introductory quantum optics" regarding decoherence. The person is looking for the derivation from (8.26) to (8.27). They mention the definition of coherent state and how it relates to the equation of operator. The other person explains that substituting the formula for ##\rho## into the left side of the equation for ##\frac{d\rho}{dt}## will equal the right side. They also mention the time dependence of ##|\alpha>## and request more background information.
  • #1
Tspirit
50
6

Homework Statement


In Gerry's book "Introductory quantum optics", Chapter 8.5 Decoherence, Page 207, there is a calculation which doesn't give the detail derivation, who can give me the calculation from (8.26) to (8.27)?
master equation.png

Homework Equations


The coherent state is defined by $$\hat{a}|\alpha>=\alpha|\alpha>$$.

The Attempt at a Solution


Traditionally, we can calculate the differential equation of a complex function. However, it is about an equation of operator and the order of the operators is very important. I have no idea about it.
 

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  • #2
They are saying that if you substitute their formula for ##\rho## into the left side of their equation equation for ##\frac{d\rho}{dt}## then it equals the right-hand side. Of course ##\frac{d\rho}{dt}=\frac{d|\alpha e^{-\frac{\gamma t}{2}}>}{dt}<\alpha e^{-\frac{\gamma t}{2}}|+
|\alpha e^{\frac{-\gamma t}{2}}>\frac
{d <\alpha e^
{-\frac{\gamma t}{2}}|
}
{dt}##
Can you provide a bit of background? What is the time dependence of ##|\alpha>##?
 

1. What is a master equation?

A master equation is a mathematical description of the time evolution of a physical system. It takes into account all possible states that the system can be in, and how these states change over time.

2. How can the master equation be solved?

The master equation can be solved using various techniques, such as numerical methods or analytical methods. The specific method used depends on the complexity of the equation and the available resources.

3. What information is needed to solve a master equation?

To solve a master equation, you need to know the initial conditions of the system, the rates of transition between different states, and any external factors that may affect the system's evolution.

4. Can a master equation be solved for any physical system?

Yes, a master equation can be used to describe the time evolution of any physical system, as long as the system can be described by a set of discrete states.

5. What are the applications of solving a master equation?

Solving a master equation can help scientists understand the behavior of complex systems, such as chemical reactions, population dynamics, and quantum systems. It also allows for predictions of future states of the system and can help in the design of experiments to control the system's evolution.

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