Born-Oppenheimer approximation in open systems

X. L. Huang, X. X. Yi

Published 2009-05-17, updated 2009-09-16Version 2

We generalize the standard Born-Oppenheimer approximation to the case of open quantum systems. We define the zeroth order Born-Oppenheimer approximation of an open quantum system as the regime in which its effective Hamiltonian can be diagonalized with fixed slowly changing variables. We then establish validity and invalidity conditions for this approximation for two kinds of dissipations--the spin relaxation and the dissipation of center-of-mass motion. As an example, the Born-Oppenheimer approximation of a two-level open system is analyzed.