  We examine stochastic maps in the context of quantum optics. Making use of
the master equation, the damping basis, and the Bloch picture we calculate a
non-unital, completely positive, trace-preserving map with unequal damping
eigenvalues. This results in what we call the squeezed vacuum channel. A
geometrical picture of the effect of stochastic noise on the set of pure state
qubit density operators is provided. Finally, we study the capacity of the
squeezed vacuum channel to transmit quantum information and to distribute EPR
states.
