On the generators of quantum dynamical semigroups

Abstract

The notion of a quantum dynamical semigroup is defined using the concept of a completely positive map. An explicit form of a bounded generator of such a semigroup on B(ℋ) is derived. This is a quantum analogue of the Lévy-Khinchin formula. As a result the general form of a large class of Markovian quantum-mechanical master equations is obtained. © 1976 Springer-Verlag.