Quantum coherence dynamics of a three-level atom under noninertial motion
Phys. Rev. D 114, 025006 – Published 7 July, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/c1gr-zb2p
Abstract
We investigate the quantum coherence dynamics of a three-level atom undergoing noninertial motion. Using an open-quantum-system approach, we derive a master equation for an atom coupled to a massless scalar field in vacuum and compare uniform linear acceleration with circular acceleration. For a degenerate -type configuration, we show that steady-state coherence can emerge and its value depends not only on the acceleration, but also on the initial atomic state. In the intermediate-acceleration regime, circular acceleration leads to a systematically larger steady-state coherence than uniform linear acceleration, whereas in both the small- and large-acceleration limits the two cases become essentially indistinguishable. Extending the analysis to -type and -type configurations, we find that the -type system exhibits coherence dynamics closely analogous to the -type case, whereas the -type system behaves qualitatively differently: Its relevant off-diagonal density matrix elements decay exponentially, precluding any steady-state quantum coherence. These results reveal how the noninertial trajectory, acceleration scale, initial-state preparation, and level configuration jointly govern coherence generation and survival in accelerated three-level atoms.