The covariance matrix contains the complete information about the second-order expectation values of the mode quadratures (position and momentum operators) of the system. Due to its prominence in studies of continuous variable systems, most significantly Gaussian states, special emphasis is put on time evolution models that result in self-contained equations for the covariance matrix. So far, despite not being explicitly implied by this requirement, virtually all such models assume a so-called quadratic, or second-order case, in which the generator of the evolution is at most second-order in the mode quadratures. Here, we provide an explicit model of covariance matrix evolution of infinite order. Furthermore, we derive the solution, including stationary states, for a large subclass of proposed evolutions. Our findings challenge the contemporary understanding of covariance matrix dynamics and may give rise to new methods and improvements in quantum technologies employing continuous variable systems.
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