Environmental Influence on the Measurement Process in Stochastic Reduction Models

Details Environmental Influence on the Measurement Process in Stochastic Reduction Models Environmental Influence on the Measurement Process in Stochastic Reduction Models

2001-09-05

arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0109029v2

Physics

Quantum Physics

Revised and retitled; TeX

Scientific paper

10.1088/0305-4470/35/4/301

We consider the energy-driven stochastic state vector reduction equation for the density matrix, which for pure state density matrices can be written in two equivalent forms. We use these forms to discuss the decoupling of the noise terms for independent subsystems, and to construct ``environmental'' stochastic density matrices whose time-independent expectations are the usual quantum statistical distributions. We then consider a measurement apparatus weakly coupled to an external environment, and show that in mean field (Hartree) approximation the stochastic equation separates into independent equations for the apparatus and environment, with the Hamiltonian for the apparatus augmented by the environmental expectation of the interaction Hamiltonian. We use the Hartree approximated equation to study a simple accretion model for the interaction of the apparatus with its environment, as part of a more general discussion of when the stochastic dynamics predicts state vector reduction, and when it predicts the maintenance of coherence. We also discuss the magnitude of decoherence effects acting during the reduction process. Our analysis supports the suggestion that a measurement takes place when the different outcomes are characterized by sufficiently distinct environmental interactions for the reduction process to be rapidly driven to completion.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Environmental Influence on the Measurement Process in Stochastic Reduction Models does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Environmental Influence on the Measurement Process in Stochastic Reduction Models, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Environmental Influence on the Measurement Process in Stochastic Reduction Models will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-715295