On oscillator–bath system: exact propagator, reduced density matrix and Greenʼs function

Abstract

The exact form of quantum propagator of a quantum oscillator interacting with a bosonic bath consisting of N distinguished quantum oscillators with different frequencies is obtained in the Heisenberg picture. Reduced density matrix for oscillator is obtained. The kernel or Green's function connecting the initial density matrix of the oscillator to the density matrix in an arbitrary time is obtained and its connection to Feynman-Vernon influence functional is discussed. Weak coupling regime and squared mean values for position, momentum and energy of the oscillator are obtained in equilibrium.