Open quantum systems at finite temperature

Abstract

The consistent definition of the thermodynamic functions of small open quantum systems in contact with an environment in equilibrium with a heat bath has been the subject of many debates in the quantum community. In the present work we reproduce and comment parts of a recent approach of this subject by Rivas [15]. This approach overcomes the controversial discussions generated by the coupling between a system and its environment for any type of coupling between the two parts and allows for a consistent description of the thermodynamical properties of the system strongly interacting with the bath

arXiv comment17 pages

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