Entropy production in open quantum systems: exactly solvable qubit models

We present analytical results for the time-dependent information entropy in exactly solvable two-state (qubit) models. The first model describes dephasing (decoherence) in a qubit coupled to a bath of harmonic oscillators. The entropy production for this model in the regimes of "complete" and "incomplete" decoherence is discussed. As another example, we consider the damped Jaynes-Cummings model describing a spontaneous decay of a two-level system into the field vacuum. It is shown that, for all strengths of coupling, the open system passes through the mixed state with the maximum information entropy.Comment: 9 pages, 3 figure

Short time dynamics with initial correlations

The short-time dynamics of correlated systems is strongly influenced by initial correlations giving rise to an additional collision integral in the non-Markovian kinetic equation. Exact cancellation of the two integrals is found if the initial state is thermal equilibrium which is an important consistency criterion. Analytical results are given for the time evolution of the correlation energy which are confirmed by comparisons with molecular dynamics simulations (MD)

Surface EM waves on 1D Photonic Crystals

We study surface states of 1D photonic crystals using a semiclassical coupled wave theory. Both TE and TM modes are treated. We derive analytic approximations that clarify the systematics of the dispersion relations, and the roles of the various parameters defining the crystal.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figure