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Open quantum system theory of muon spin relaxation in materials

Elvis F. Arguelles* and Osamu Sugino†

  • *Contact author: arguelles@issp.u-tokyo.ac.jp
  • †Contact author: sugino@issp.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Phys. Rev. B 114, 034313 – Published 28 July, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/974b-92x2

Abstract

We present a non-Markovian theory of muon spin relaxation that treats the implanted muon as an open quantum spin coupled to a temporally correlated local magnetic environment. Using a Schwinger-Keldysh influence-functional formulation, we derive a stochastic equation of motion for the muon spin in which the fluctuation kernel is fixed by the local-field correlation tensor, while the retarded memory torque describes an effective environmental backaction. This formulation extends conventional Markovian and strong-collision descriptions to complex magnetic environments where quasistatic broadening, ion-driven colored field fluctuations, and unresolved retarded environmental response coexist and cannot be reduced to a single local-field renewal process. Within the established limits, the theory reduces to standard Kubo-Toyabe forms. This unified framework enables quantitative global analysis of zero-field and weak longitudinal-field µSR spectra, providing a consistent description of field-dependent line shapes with single parameter set at each temperature. Applied to Li0.73CoO2, the model captures the interplay between quenched Gaussian width and a Li-driven dynamical component yielding fluctuation rates consistent with activated behavior. The fitted memory parameter is most visible in the crossover between quasistatic and fast-fluctuation limits, providing a systematic basis for modeling ion-driven magnetic fluctuations in functional materials.

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synopsis

A New Theory of Muon Spin Relaxation

Published 28 July, 2026

A technique for determining the magnetic structure of materials gets a theoretical makeover that can cope with nonrandom, temporally correlated fluctuations.

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