Quantum Entanglement of Two-Mode Continuous Variable States in a Thermal Reservoir

Using the theory of open systems based on completely positive quantum dynamical semigroups, we describe the dynamics of entanglement for a system consisting of two uncoupled harmonic oscillators interacting with a thermal reservoir. Using Peres-Simon necessary and sufficient criterion for separability of two-mode Gaussian states, we describe the evolution of entanglement in terms of the covariance matrix for a Gaussian input state. For some values of the temperature of environment, the state keeps for all times its initial type - separable or entangled. In other cases, entanglement generation, entanglement sudden death or a repeated collapse and revival of entanglement take place. We analyze also the time evolution of the logarithmic negativity, which characterizes the degree of quantum entanglement.