On the spectral origin of non-Markovianity: an exact finite model

Non-homogeneous chain environments (e.g. segmented ion traps) are investigated through an exact diagonalization approach. Different spectral densities, including band-gaps, can be engineered to separately assess memory effects. Environment non-Markovianity is quantified with recently introduced measures of information flow-back and non-divisibility of the system dynamical map. By sweeping the bath spectrum via tuning of the system frequency we show strongest memory effect at band-gap edges and provide an interpretation based on energy flow between system and environment. A system weakly coupled to a stiff chain ensures a Markovian dynamics, while the size of the environment as well as the local density of modes are not substantial factors. We show an opposite effect when increasing the temperature inside or outside the spectral band-gap. Further, non-Markovianity arises for larger (negative and positive) powers of algebraic spectral densities, being the Ohmic case not always the most Markovian one.