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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving Equation (8.27) from Equation (8.26) in Gerry's "Introductory Quantum Optics," specifically in Chapter 8.5 on Decoherence. The coherent state is defined by the operator equation $$\hat{a}|\alpha>=\alpha|\alpha>$$. Participants emphasize the importance of operator order in calculations and suggest substituting the formula for the density operator ##\rho## into the differential equation for ##\frac{d\rho}{dt}## to establish the equivalence between the left and right sides of the equation. A request for clarification on the time dependence of the coherent state ##|\alpha>## is also made.

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  • Understanding of coherent states in quantum optics
  • Familiarity with operator algebra in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of differential equations involving complex functions
  • Basic concepts of decoherence in quantum systems
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Students and researchers in quantum optics, particularly those studying decoherence and the mathematical foundations of coherent states. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of operator methods in quantum mechanics.

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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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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>##?
 

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