Influence of typical environments on quantum processes

We present the results of studying the influence of different environmental states on the coherence of quantum processes. We choose to discuss a simple model that describes two electronic reservoirs connected through tunneling via a resonant state. The model could, e.g., serve as an idealization of inelastic resonant tunneling through a double-barrier structure. We develop Schwinger’s closed time path formulation of nonequilibrium quantum statistical mechanics, and show that the influence of the environment on a coherent quantum process can be described by the value of a generating functional at a specific force value, thereby allowing for a unified discussion of destruction of phase coherence by various environmental states: thermal state, classical noise, time-dependent classical field, and a coherent state. The model allows an extensive discussion of the influence of dissipation on the coherent quantum process, and expressions for the transmission coefficient are obtained in the possible limits. © 1996 The American Physical Society.