Operator ordering and causality

It is shown that causality violations [M. de Haan, Physica 132A, 375, 397 (1985)], emerging when the conventional definition of the time-normal operator ordering [P.L.Kelley and W.H.Kleiner, Phys.Rev. 136, A316 (1964)] is taken outside the rotating wave approximation, disappear when the amended definition [L.P. and S.S., Annals of Physics, 323, 1989 (2008)] of this ordering is used.Comment: References update

States prepared by decay

We consider the time evolution of a discrete state embedded in a continuum. Results from scattering theory can be utilized to solve the initial value problem and discuss the system as a model of wave packet preparation. Extensive use is made of the analytic properties of the propagators, and simple model systems are evaluated to illustrate the argument. We verify the exponential appearence of the continuum state and its propagation as a localized wave packet.Comment: 22 pages, Latex2.09, 6 Postscript figures embedded using psfig, see also http://www.physics.helsinki.fi/~kasuomin/ To appear in a Special Issue of Journal of Modern Optics (1997

Weisskopf-Wigner model for wave packet excitation

We consider a laser induced molecular excitation process as a decay of a single energy state into a continuum. The analytic results based on Weisskopf-Wigner approach and perturbation calculations are compared with numerical wave packet results. We find that the decay model describes the excitation process well within the expected parameter region.Comment: 14 pages, Latex2.09, 9 Postscript figures embedded using psfig, see also http://www.physics.helsinki.fi/~kasuomin

Coupled eigenmodes in a two-component Bose-Einstein condensate

We have studied the elementary excitations in a two-component Bose-Einstein condensate. We concentrate on the breathing modes and find the elementary excitations to possess avoided crossings and regions of coalescing oscillations where both components of the condensates oscillate with same frequency. For large repulsive interactions between the condensates, their oscillational modes tend to decouple due to decreased overlap. A thorough investigation of the eigenmodes near the avoided crossings is presented.Comment: Replacement, 17 pages, 9 figure

Quantum Master Equation of Particle in Gas Environment

The evolution of the reduced density operator $\rho$ of Brownian particle is discussed in single collision approach valid typically in low density gas environments. This is the first succesful derivation of quantum friction caused by {\it local} environmental interactions. We derive a Lindblad master equation for $\rho$, whose generators are calculated from differential cross section of a single collision between Brownian and gas particles, respectively. The existence of thermal equilibrium for $\rho$ is proved. Master equations proposed earlier are shown to be particular cases of our one.Comment: 6 pages PlainTeX, 23-March-199