Rate concept and retarded master equations for dissipative tight-binding models

Employing a ''noninteracting-cluster approximation,'' the dynamics of multistate dissipative tight-binding models has been formulated in terms of a set of generalized retarded master equations. The rates for the various pathways are expressed as power series in the intersite couplings. We apply this to the superexchange mechanism, which is relevant for bacterial photosynthesis and bridged electron transfer systems. This approach provides a general and unified description of both incoherent and coherent transport