Physics – Quantum Physics
Scientific paper
2002-06-14
Physics
Quantum Physics
19 pages, v2 email address added
Scientific paper
A small quantum scattering system (the microsystem) is studied in interaction with a large quantum system (the macrosystem) described by unknown stochastic variables. The interaction between the two systems is diagonal for the microsystem in a certain basis, and it leads to an imprint on the macrosystem. Moreover, the interaction is assumed to involve only small transfers of energy and momentum between the two systems (as compared to typical energies/momenta within the microsystem). This makes it suitable to carry out the analysis in scattering theory, where the transition amplitude for the whole system factorizes. The interaction taking place within the macrosystem is assumed to depend on the stochastic variables in such a way that, on the average, no particular channel is favoured. The result is then, in the thermodynamic limit of the macrosystem, that the whole system bifurcates and the microsystem ends up in a state described by one of the basis vectors (in the mentioned basis). The macrosystem ends up in an entangled state tied to this basis vector. For the ensemble of macrosystems, the interaction with the microsystem leads, on the average, to the usual decoherence and diagonal density matrix for the microsystem. The macrosystem can be interpreted as representing a measurement device for performing a measurement on the microsystem. The whole discussion is carried out within quantum mechanics itself without any modification or generalization.
No associations
LandOfFree
Measurement as soft final-state interaction with a stochastic system 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 Measurement as soft final-state interaction with a stochastic system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Measurement as soft final-state interaction with a stochastic system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-98497