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arXiv · 2608.00225

Dissipation in Periodically Driven Quantum Systems: Partial Secularization and Thermodynamic Consistency

Luísa T. Tude·Carlos Ortega-Taberner·Roberta Zambrini·Gonzalo Manzano
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Abstract

Periodically driven open quantum systems are central to quantum thermodynamics and quantum control. These systems are typically described using Floquet-Born-Markov master equations, derived with the use of a full secular approximation, and whose thermodynamic implications are often overlooked. In this context, we show that such a strong secular approximation may lead to unphysical predictions for steady state energy currents. We then demonstrate that a coarse-grained formulation of the master equation can regularize these issues while yielding completely positive dynamics and consistent energy currents. The coarse-graining time has a clear physical interpretation, as it defines the temporal resolution at which a Markovian master equation can describe the evolution of the periodically driven system. We show the consistency and validity of our approach by comparing to an exact non-Markovian simulation in paradigmatic examples: a driven two-level system and a three-level maser coupled to hot and cold thermal reservoirs. Our work provides a practical framework for correctly applying the secular approximation in periodically driven-dissipative systems and for assessing the accuracy of master equations of the GKSL form.

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Luísa T. Tude, Carlos Ortega-Taberner, Roberta Zambrini, Gonzalo Manzano. 2026-07-31. Dissipation in Periodically Driven Quantum Systems: Partial Secularization and Thermodynamic Consistency. https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.00225

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