Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-1988
Abstract
The problem of a quantum oscillator coupled to an independent-oscillator model of a heat bath is discussed. The transformation to normal coordinates is explicitly constructed using the method of Ullersma. With this transformation an alternative derivation of an exact formula for the oscillator free energy is constructed. The various contributions to the oscillator energy are calculated, with the aim of further understanding this formula. Finally, the limitations of linear coupling models, such as that used by Ullersma, are discussed in the form of some critical remarks. © 1988 Plenum Publishing Corporation.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Journal of Statistical Physics
First Page
439
Last Page
455
Recommended Citation
Ford, G., Lewis, J., & O'Connell, R. (1988). Independent oscillator model of a heat bath: Exact diagonalization of the Hamiltonian. Journal of Statistical Physics, 53 (1-2), 439-455. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01011565