Quantum collision models: Open system dynamics from repeated interactions

We present an extensive introduction to quantum collision models (CMs), also known as repeated interactions schemes: a class of microscopic system-bath models for investigating open quantum systems dynamics whose use is currently spreading in a number of research areas. Through dedicated sections and a pedagogical approach, we discuss the CMs definition and general properties, their use for the derivation of master equations, their connection with quantum trajectories, their application in non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics, their non-Markovian generalizations, their emergence from conventional system-bath microscopic models and link to the input- output formalism. The state of the art of each involved research area is reviewed through dedicated sections. The article is supported by several complementary appendices, which review standard concepts/tools of open quantum systems used in the main text with the goal of making the material accessible even to readers possessing only a basic background in quantum mechanics.The paper could also be seen itself as a friendly, physically intuitive, introduction to fundamentals of open quantum systems theory since most main concepts of this are treated such as quantum maps, Lindblad master equation, steady states, POVMs, quantum trajectories and stochastic Schrodinger equation. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article presents an extensive introduction to quantum collision models (CMs), which are microscopic system-bath models used for investigating dynamics of open quantum systems. The article discusses the definition and general properties of CMs, their application in deriving master equations, their connection with quantum trajectories, and their use in non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics, among other topics. The state of the art in each research area related to CMs is reviewed. The article also includes complementary appendices that review standard concepts and tools of open quantum systems, making the material accessible even to readers with a basic background in quantum mechanics.