Numerical ansatz for solving integro-differential equations with increasingly smooth memory kernels: spin-boson model and beyond

Abstract

We present an efficient and stable numerical ansatz for solving a class of integro-differential equations. We define the class as integro-differential equations with increasingly smooth memory kernels. The resulting algorithm reduces the computational cost from the usual T^2 to T*C(T), where T is the total simulation time and C(T) is some function. For instance, C(T) is equal to lnT for polynomially decaying memory kernels. Due to the common occurrence of increasingly smooth memory kernels in physical, chemical, and biological systems, the algorithm can be applied in quite a wide variety of situations. We demonstrate the performance of the algorithm by examining two cases. First, we compare the algorithm to a typical numerical procedure for a simple integro-differential equation. Second, we solve the NIBA equations for the spin-boson model in real time.