Path-Integral Approach to Quantum Acoustics

Abstract:A path-integral approach to quantum acoustics is developed here. In contrast to the commonly utilized particle perspective, this emerging field brings forth a long neglected but essential wave paradigm for lattice vibrations. Within the coherent state picture, we formulate a non-Markovian, stochastic master equation that captures the exact dynamics of any system with coupling linear in the bath coordinates and nonlinear in the system coordinates. We further demonstrate the capability of the presented master equation by applying the corresponding procedure to the eminent Fröhlich model. In general, we establish a solid foundation for quantum acoustics as a kindred framework to quantum optics, while paving the way for deeper first-principle explorations of non-perturbative system dynamics driven by lattice vibrations.

arXiv:2505.00861 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2505.00861v3 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2505.00861 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite

Phys. Rev. B. 114 (2026) 094304

https://doi.org/10.1103/8y23-m2mq Focus to learn more DOI(s) linking to related resources

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