nLab
quantum decoherence

Idea

In quantum physics decoherence refers to the disappearance of quantum entanglement and superposition in the limit where small quantum mechanical systems are coupled to large thermal baths?.

This has been argued to resolve (and has been argued not to resolve) the problem with the interpretation of quantum measurement.

Related concepts

• measurement, experiment

• classical limit

• density matrix

• quantum measurement, interpretation of quantum mechanics

• observable universe

• consistent histories

• einselection

References

• Chris Nagele, Oliver Janssen, Matthew Kleban, Decoherence: A Numerical Study (arXiv:2010.04803)

See also

• Wikipedia, Quantum decoherence

A proposal for mathematical quantification of coherence:

• Fedor Herbut, A quantum measure of coherence and incompatibility, Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and General 38, 2959 (2005) (arXiv:quant-ph/0503077, arXiv:10.1088/0305-4470/38/13/010)

which was rediscovered in, and then became famous with:

• T. Baumgratz, M. Cramer, M. B. Plenio, Quantifying Coherence, Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 140401 (2014) (arXiv:1311.0275, doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.140401)

rediscovering