ISSN:
0020-7608
Keywords:
Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modeling
;
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
A modified form of Frenkel's time-dependent variation principle, suggested by McLachlan for state vectors, is employed to discuss the optimal time evolution of a density operator ρ(t). An ansatz is made for this operator such that i(dρ/dt) = [S, ρ], where S(t) is a linear combination of operators belonging to a particular manifold of “basis operators.” The expansion coefficients are required to minimize the error Tr{[S - H, ρ]† [S - H, ρ]}. Linear response functions corresponding to the variationally determined density operator are compared to those derived by means of linear decoupling procedures for propagators based on the same operator manifold. The two approximation schemes are not equivalent, in general, and several consistency requirements must be fulfilled before it can be ascertained that a given linear decoupling procedure corresponds to an optimal time development of the density operator in the sense of McLachlan. Finally, the general applicability of the suggested variation principle is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/qua.560170306
