The course discusses the theory of open quantum systems and can serve as a supplement to the standard courses of quantum mechanics, usually focused on the description of reversible dynamics of an isolated system. But it is only assumed that students are familiar only with linear algebra and mathematical analysis, and the necessary elements of quantum mechanics in the course will be presented. The theory of open quantum systems is the theoretical basis of modern spectroscopy, quantum optics, quantum measurement theory, quantum thermodynamics and has wide range of physical applications. The presented theory is also inseparable from quantum theory of information. From the mathematical point of view, the course is close to the theory of Markov processes with a finite number of states, but considers its non-commutative analog. The course will describe the properties and methods of solution and derivation of the Gorini-Kossakowski-Sudarshan-Lindblad equation which is the basic approach for describing the dynamics of open quantum systems. In addition, the basic physical examples of finite open quantum systems will be considered and their properties described. During the course, students will be asked a number of tasks that will develop the skill of applying the knowledge gained in the course to specific physical problems.

Spring Semester Schedule of 2021/2022:

Time: Monday 11:35 – 13:00

First lecture: February 1

Lecturer
Teretenkov Aleksandr Evgenevich

Institutions
Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Moscow region
Steklov Mathematical Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Steklov International Mathematical Center