Abstract
Using the master equation, we give a fully analytical description of the dynamics of an atom dispersively coupled to a field mode in a dissipative cavity. The effects of thermal photons ((n) over bar = 0) on entanglement and coherence loss are investigated. It is found that the field is inhibited from going into a pure state and coherence is lost faster than in the case of zero temperature ((n) over bar = 0). (c) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.