1992•arXiv (Cornell University)Open access

Thermal Equilibrium from the Hu-Paz-Zhang Master Equation

J. R. Anglin

Abstract

The exact master equation for a harmonic oscillator coupled to a heat bath, derived recently by Hu, Paz and Zhang, is simplified by taking the weak-coupling, late-time limit. The unique time-independent solution to this simplified master equation is the canonical ensemble at the temperature of the bath. The frequency of the oscillator is effectively lowered by the interaction with the bath.

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Key concepts: Master equation, Harmonic oscillator, Limit (mathematics), Zhàng, Physics, Thermal equilibrium, Heat equation, Coupling (piping)