Open Quantum System Approach to the Modeling of Spin Recombination Reactions

• Published in: arXiv.org
• Main Authors: Tiersch, M, Steiner, U E, Popescu, S, Briegel, H J
• Format: Paper Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 20.04.2012
• Subjects: Operators; Organic chemistry; Physics - Chemical Physics; Physics - Quantum Physics; Quantum theory; Reaction kinetics; Recombination reactions
• ISSN: 2331-8422
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1204.4634

In theories of spin-dependent radical pair reactions, the time evolution of the radical pair, including the effect of the chemical kinetics, is described by a master equation in the Liouville formalism. For the description of the chemical kinetics, a number of possible reaction operators have been formulated in the literature. In this work, we present a framework that allows for a unified description of the various proposed mechanisms and the forms of reaction operators for the spin-selective recombination processes. Based on the concept that master equations can be derived from a microscopic description of the spin system interacting with external degrees of freedom, it is possible to gain insight into the underlying microscopic processes and to develop a systematic approach towards determining the specific form of reaction operator in concrete scenarios.