Driven Quantum Systems Reveal Limits to Standard Modelling Techniques

Scientists at the Dresden University of Technology and Technical University of Berlin, led by Konrad Mickiewicz, have undertaken a rigorous benchmarking study of commonly employed Floquet master equations, comparing their performance against precise numerical simulations. The research reveals the limitations of these approximations when applied to open quantum systems subjected to both environmental interactions and periodic driving, offering crucial insights into their validity under diverse conditions. The systematic assessment of equation accuracy as driving parameters are varied identifies specific regimes where these approximations break down, emphasising the importance of understanding the underlying assumptions inherent in their derivation. The findings provide a valuable resource for researchers modelling complex quantum systems experiencing continuous…