Asymptotics of repeated interaction quantum systems

A quantum system S interacts in a successive way with elements E of a chain of identical independent quantum subsystems. Each interaction lasts for a duration τ and is governed by a fixed coupling between S and E.We show that the system, initially in any state close to a reference state, approaches a repeated interaction asymptotic state in the limit of large times. This state is τ -periodic in time and does not depend on the initial state. If the reference state is chosen so that S and E are individually in equilibrium at positive temperatures, then the repeated interaction asymptotic state satisfies an average second law of thermodynamics. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved