DECOHERENCE AS a FUNDAMENTAL PHENOMENON in QUANTUM DYNAMICS Contents 1 Introduction 152 2 Decoherence by Entanglement with an En
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Quantum Theory Cannot Consistently Describe the Use of Itself
ARTICLE DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05739-8 OPEN Quantum theory cannot consistently describe the use of itself Daniela Frauchiger1 & Renato Renner1 Quantum theory provides an extremely accurate description of fundamental processes in physics. It thus seems likely that the theory is applicable beyond the, mostly microscopic, domain in which it has been tested experimentally. Here, we propose a Gedankenexperiment 1234567890():,; to investigate the question whether quantum theory can, in principle, have universal validity. The idea is that, if the answer was yes, it must be possible to employ quantum theory to model complex systems that include agents who are themselves using quantum theory. Analysing the experiment under this presumption, we find that one agent, upon observing a particular measurement outcome, must conclude that another agent has predicted the opposite outcome with certainty. The agents’ conclusions, although all derived within quantum theory, are thus inconsistent. This indicates that quantum theory cannot be extrapolated to complex systems, at least not in a straightforward manner. 1 Institute for Theoretical Physics, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland. Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to R.R. (email: [email protected]) NATURE COMMUNICATIONS | (2018) 9:3711 | DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05739-8 | www.nature.com/naturecommunications 1 ARTICLE NATURE COMMUNICATIONS | DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05739-8 “ 1”〉 “ 1”〉 irect experimental tests of quantum theory are mostly Here, | z ¼À2 D and | z ¼þ2 D denote states of D depending restricted to microscopic domains. Nevertheless, quantum on the measurement outcome z shown by the devices within the D “ψ ”〉 “ψ ”〉 theory is commonly regarded as being (almost) uni- lab. -
Quantum Nondemolition Photon Detection in Circuit QED and the Quantum Zeno Effect
PHYSICAL REVIEW A 79, 052115 ͑2009͒ Quantum nondemolition photon detection in circuit QED and the quantum Zeno effect Ferdinand Helmer,1 Matteo Mariantoni,2,3 Enrique Solano,1,4 and Florian Marquardt1 1Department of Physics, Center for NanoScience, and Arnold Sommerfeld Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Theresienstrasse 37, D-80333 Munich, Germany 2Walther-Meissner-Institut, Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Walther-Meissner-Str. 8, D-85748 Garching, Germany 3Physics Department, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Str., D-85748 Garching, Germany 4Departamento de Quimica Fisica, Universidad del Pais Vasco-Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, 48080 Bilbao, Spain ͑Received 17 December 2007; revised manuscript received 15 January 2009; published 20 May 2009͒ We analyze the detection of itinerant photons using a quantum nondemolition measurement. An important example is the dispersive detection of microwave photons in circuit quantum electrodynamics, which can be realized via the nonlinear interaction between photons inside a superconducting transmission line resonator. We show that the back action due to the continuous measurement imposes a limit on the detector efficiency in such a scheme. We illustrate this using a setup where signal photons have to enter a cavity in order to be detected dispersively. In this approach, the measurement signal is the phase shift imparted to an intense beam passing through a second cavity mode. The restrictions on the fidelity are a consequence of the quantum Zeno effect, and we discuss both analytical results and quantum trajectory simulations of the measurement process. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.79.052115 PACS number͑s͒: 03.65.Ta, 03.65.Xp, 42.50.Lc I. INTRODUCTION to be already prepared in a certain state. -
Measurement Theories in Quantum Mechanics
Measurement Theories in Quantum Mechanics Cortland M. Setlow March 3, 2006 2 Contents 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Intent .. 1 1.2 Overview. 1 1.3 New Theories from Old 3 2 A Brief Review of Mechanics 7 2.1 Newtonian Mechanics: F = mn 8 2.1.1 Newton's Laws of Motion. 8 2.1.2 Mathematics and the Connection to Experiment 9 2.2 Hamiltonian and Lagrangian Mechanics . 10 2.2.1 Lagrangian Mechanics . 10 2.2.2 Hamiltonian Mechanics 12 2.2.3 Conclusions ....... 13 2.3 The Hamiltonian in Quantum Mechanics 14 2.4 The Lagrangian in Quantum Mechanics 14 2.5 Conclusion . .......... 15 3 The Measurement Problem 17 3.1 Introduction . 17 3.2 Quantum Mysteries. 18 i ii CONTENTS 3.2.1 Probability Rules . 18 3.2.2 Probability in Experiments: Diffraction 19 3.3 Conclusions .......... 20 3.3.1 Additional Background 20 3.3.2 Summary ..... 21 4 Solutions to Quantum Problems 23 4.1 Introduction . 23 4.2 Orthodox Theory 23 4.2.1 Measurement in the Orthodox Theory . 24 4.2.2 Criticisms of Orthodox Measurement 24 4.2.3 Conclusions ... 25 4.3 Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber . 25 4.3.1 Dynamics 26 4.3.2 Motivation. 26 4.3.3 Criticisms 28 4.4 Hidden Variables 30 4.4.1 Dynamics of Bohm's Hidden Variables Interpretation. 31 4.4.2 Introducing the Hidden Variables .... 32 4.4.3 But What About von Neumann's Proof? . 33 4.4.4 Relativity and the Quantum Potential 34 4.5 Everett's Relative State Formulation 34 4.5.1 Motivation . -
The Consistent Histories Approach to the Stern-Gerlach Experiment
The Consistent Histories Approach to the Stern-Gerlach Experiment Ian Wilson An undergraduate thesis advised by Dr. David Craig submitted to the Department of Physics, Oregon State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree BSc in Physics Submitted on May 8, 2020 Acknowledgments I would like to thank Dr. David Craig, for guiding me through an engaging line of research, as well as Dr. David McIntyre, Dr. Elizabeth Gire, Dr. Corinne Manogue and Dr. Janet Tate for developing the quantum curriculum from which this thesis is rooted. I would also like to thank all of those who gave me the time, space, and support I needed while writing this. This includes (but is certainly not limited to) my partner Brooke, my parents Joy and Kevin, my housemate Cheyanne, the staff of Interzone, and my friends Saskia, Rachel and Justin. Abstract Standard quantum mechanics makes foundational assumptions to describe the measurement process. Upon interaction with a “classical measurement apparatus”, a quantum system is subjected to postulated “state collapse” dynamics. We show that framing measurement around state collapse and ill-defined classical observers leads to interpretational issues, and artificially limits the scope of quantum theory. This motivates describing measurement as a unitary process instead. In the context of the Stern-Gerlach experiment, the measurement of an electron’s spin angular momentum is explained as the entanglement of its spin and position degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the electron-environment interaction is also detailed as part of the measurement process. The environment plays the role of a record keeper, establishing the “facts of the universe” to make the measurement’s occurrence objective. -
Theoretical Physics Group Decoherent Histories Approach: a Quantum Description of Closed Systems
Theoretical Physics Group Department of Physics Decoherent Histories Approach: A Quantum Description of Closed Systems Author: Supervisor: Pak To Cheung Prof. Jonathan J. Halliwell CID: 01830314 A thesis submitted for the degree of MSc Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces Contents 1 Introduction2 2 Mathematical Formalism9 2.1 General Idea...................................9 2.2 Operator Formulation............................. 10 2.3 Path Integral Formulation........................... 18 3 Interpretation 20 3.1 Decoherent Family............................... 20 3.1a. Logical Conclusions........................... 20 3.1b. Probabilities of Histories........................ 21 3.1c. Causality Paradox........................... 22 3.1d. Approximate Decoherence....................... 24 3.2 Incompatible Sets................................ 25 3.2a. Contradictory Conclusions....................... 25 3.2b. Logic................................... 28 3.2c. Single-Family Rule........................... 30 3.3 Quasiclassical Domains............................. 32 3.4 Many History Interpretation.......................... 34 3.5 Unknown Set Interpretation.......................... 36 4 Applications 36 4.1 EPR Paradox.................................. 36 4.2 Hydrodynamic Variables............................ 41 4.3 Arrival Time Problem............................. 43 4.4 Quantum Fields and Quantum Cosmology.................. 45 5 Summary 48 6 References 51 Appendices 56 A Boolean Algebra 56 B Derivation of Path Integral Method From Operator -
Diffraction-Based Interaction-Free Measurements
Quantum Stud.: Math. Found. (2020) 7:145–153 CHAPMAN INSTITUTE FOR https://doi.org/10.1007/s40509-019-00205-6 UNIVERSITY QUANTUM STUDIES REGULAR PAPER Diffraction-based interaction-free measurements Spencer Rogers · Yakir Aharonov · Cyril Elouard · Andrew N. Jordan Received: 18 July 2019 / Accepted: 3 September 2019 / Published online: 14 September 2019 © Chapman University 2019 Abstract We introduce diffraction-based interaction-free measurements. In contrast with previous work where a set of discrete paths is engaged, good-quality interaction-free measurements can be realized with a continuous set of paths, as is typical of optical propagation. If a bomb is present in a given spatial region—so sensitive that a single photon will set it off—its presence can still be detected without exploding it. This is possible because, by not absorbing the photon, the bomb causes the single photon to diffract around it. The resulting diffraction pattern can then be statistically distinguished from the bomb-free case. We work out the case of single- versus double-slit in detail, where the double-slit arises because of a bomb excluding the middle region. Keywords Interaction-free measurement · Bomb-detection · Diffraction · Double-slit · Zeno effect 1 Introduction The first example of a quantum interaction-free measurement (IFM) was given by Elitzur and Vaidman in 1993 [1]. Their famous “bomb tester” is a Mach–Zehnder interferometer which may or may not have a malicious object (“bomb”) blocking one interferometer arm. In the absence of the blockage, one output detector is “dark” (never clicks) due to destructive interference of the two interferometer arms. -
Consistent Histories
Chapter 12 Local Weak Property Realism: Consistent Histories Earlier, we surmised that weak property realism can escape the strictures of Bell’s theorem and KS. In this chapter, we look at an interpretation of quantum mechanics that does just that, namely, the Consistent Histories Interpretation (CH). 12.1 Consistent Histories The basic idea behind CH is that quantum mechanics is a stochastic theory operating on quantum histories. A history a is a temporal sequence of properties held by a system. For example, if we just consider spin, for an electron a history could be as follows: at t0, Sz =1; at t1, Sx =1; at t2, Sy = -1, where spin components are measured in units of h /2. The crucial point is that in this interpretation the electron is taken to exist independently of us and to have such spin components at such times, while in the standard view 1, 1, and -1 are just experimental return values. In other words, while the standard interpretation tries to provide the probability that such returns would be obtained upon measurement, CH provides the probability Pr(a) that the system will have history a, that is, such and such properties at different times. Hence, CH adopts non-contextual property realism (albeit of the weak sort) and dethrones measurement from the pivotal position it occupies in the orthodox interpretation. To see how CH works, we need first to look at some of the formal features of probability. 12.2 Probability Probability is defined on a sample space S, the set of all the mutually exclusive outcomes of a state of affairs; each element e of S is a sample point to which one assigns a number Pr(e) satisfying the axioms of probability (of which more later). -
Measurement Quantum Mechanics and Experiments on Quantum Zeno Effect Carlo Presilla
Annals of Physics PH5535 annals of physics 248, 95121 (1996) article no. 0052 Measurement Quantum Mechanics and Experiments on Quantum Zeno Effect Carlo Presilla Dipartimento di Fisica, UniversitaÁ di Roma ``La Sapienza,'' and INFN, Sezione di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 2, Rome, Italy 00185 Roberto Onofrio Dipartimento di Fisica ``G. Galilei,'' UniversitaÁ di Padova, and INFN, Sezione di Padova, Via Marzolo 8, Padua, Italy 35131 and Ubaldo Tambini Dipartimento di Fisica, UniversitaÁ di Ferrara, and INFN, Sezione di Ferrara, Via Paradiso 12, Ferrara, Italy 44100 Received June 8, 1995 Measurement quantum mechanics, the theory of a quantum system which undergoes a measurement process, is introduced by a loop of mathematical equivalencies connecting pre- viously proposed approaches. The unique phenomenological parameter of the theory is linked to the physical properties of an informational environment acting as a measurement apparatus which allows for an objective role of the observer. Comparison with a recently reported experiment suggests how to investigate novel interesting regimes for the quantum Zeno effect. 1996 Academic Press, Inc. 1. Introduction The description of the measurement process has been a topic debated from the early developments of quantum mechanics [13]. Besides being a basic issue in the interpretation of the quantum formalism it has also a practical interest in predicting the results of experiments pointing out some paradoxical aspects of the quantum laws when compared to the classical ones. The development of devices whose noise figures are close to the quantum limit makes these experiments within the tech- nological feasibility and demands for a systematization of the theory of quantum measurement with deeper understanding of its experimental implications [4, 5]. -
Arxiv:Quant-Ph/0101118V1 23 Jan 2001 Aur 2 2001 12, January N Ula Hsc,Dvso Fhg Nrypyis Fteus Depa U.S
January 12, 2001 LBNL-44712 Von Neumann’s Formulation of Quantum Theory and the Role of Mind in Nature ∗ Henry P. Stapp Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory University of California Berkeley, California 94720 Abstract Orthodox Copenhagen quantum theory renounces the quest to un- derstand the reality in which we are imbedded, and settles for prac- tical rules that describe connections between our observations. Many physicist have believed that this renunciation of the attempt describe nature herself was premature, and John von Neumann, in a major work, reformulated quantum theory as theory of the evolving objec- tive universe. In the course of his work he converted to a benefit what had appeared to be a severe deficiency of the Copenhagen interpre- tation, namely its introduction into physical theory of the human ob- servers. He used this subjective element of quantum theory to achieve a significant advance on the main problem in philosophy, which is to arXiv:quant-ph/0101118v1 23 Jan 2001 understand the relationship between mind and matter. That problem had been tied closely to physical theory by the works of Newton and Descartes. The present work examines the major problems that have appeared to block the development of von Neumann’s theory into a fully satisfactory theory of Nature, and proposes solutions to these problems. ∗This work is supported in part by the Director, Office of Science, Office of High Energy and Nuclear Physics, Division of High Energy Physics, of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC03-76SF00098 The Nonlocality Controversy “Nonlocality gets more real”. This is the provocative title of a recent report in Physics Today [1]. -
The Von Neumann/Stapp Approach
4. The von Neumann/Stapp Approach Von Neumann quantum theory is a formulation in which the entire physical universe, including the bodies and brains of the conscious human participant/observers, is represented in the basic quantum state, which is called the state of the universe. The state of a subsystem, such as a brain, is formed by averaging (tracing) this basic state over all variables other than those that describe the state of that subsystem. The dynamics involves three processes. Process 1 is the choice on the part of the experimenter about how he will act. This choice is sometimes called “The Heisenberg Choice,” because Heisenberg emphasized strongly its crucial role in quantum dynamics. At the pragmatic level it is a “free choice,” because it is controlled, at least in practice, by the conscious intentions of the experimenter/participant, and neither the Copenhagen nor von Neumann formulations provide any description of the causal origins of this choice, apart from the mental intentions of the human agent. Each intentional action involves an effort that is intended to result in a conceived experiential feedback, which can be an immediate confirmation of the success of the action, or a delayed monitoring the experiential consequences of the action. Process 2 is the quantum analog of the equations of motion of classical physics. As in classical physics, these equations of motion are local (i.e., all interactions are between immediate neighbors) and deterministic. They are obtained from the classical equations by a certain quantization procedure, and are reduced to the classical equations by taking the classical approximation of setting to zero the value of Planck’s constant everywhere it appears. -
High Energy Physics Quantum Information Science Awards Abstracts
High Energy Physics Quantum Information Science Awards Abstracts Towards Directional Detection of WIMP Dark Matter using Spectroscopy of Quantum Defects in Diamond Ronald Walsworth, David Phillips, and Alexander Sushkov Challenges and Opportunities in Noise‐Aware Implementations of Quantum Field Theories on Near‐Term Quantum Computing Hardware Raphael Pooser, Patrick Dreher, and Lex Kemper Quantum Sensors for Wide Band Axion Dark Matter Detection Peter S Barry, Andrew Sonnenschein, Clarence Chang, Jiansong Gao, Steve Kuhlmann, Noah Kurinsky, and Joel Ullom The Dark Matter Radio‐: A Quantum‐Enhanced Dark Matter Search Kent Irwin and Peter Graham Quantum Sensors for Light-field Dark Matter Searches Kent Irwin, Peter Graham, Alexander Sushkov, Dmitry Budke, and Derek Kimball The Geometry and Flow of Quantum Information: From Quantum Gravity to Quantum Technology Raphael Bousso1, Ehud Altman1, Ning Bao1, Patrick Hayden, Christopher Monroe, Yasunori Nomura1, Xiao‐Liang Qi, Monika Schleier‐Smith, Brian Swingle3, Norman Yao1, and Michael Zaletel Algebraic Approach Towards Quantum Information in Quantum Field Theory and Holography Daniel Harlow, Aram Harrow and Hong Liu Interplay of Quantum Information, Thermodynamics, and Gravity in the Early Universe Nishant Agarwal, Adolfo del Campo, Archana Kamal, and Sarah Shandera Quantum Computing for Neutrino‐nucleus Dynamics Joseph Carlson, Rajan Gupta, Andy C.N. Li, Gabriel Perdue, and Alessandro Roggero Quantum‐Enhanced Metrology with Trapped Ions for Fundamental Physics Salman Habib, Kaifeng Cui1, -
Quantum Trajectories for Measurement of Entangled States
Quantum Trajectories for Measurement of Entangled States Apoorva Patel Centre for High Energy Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 1 Feb 2018, ISNFQC18, SNBNCBS, Kolkata 1 Feb 2018, ISNFQC18, SNBNCBS, Kolkata A. Patel (CHEP, IISc) Quantum Trajectories for Entangled States / 22 Density Matrix The density matrix encodes complete information of a quantum system. It describes a ray in the Hilbert space. It is Hermitian and positive, with Tr(ρ)=1. It generalises the concept of probability distribution to quantum theory. 1 Feb 2018, ISNFQC18, SNBNCBS, Kolkata A. Patel (CHEP, IISc) Quantum Trajectories for Entangled States / 22 Density Matrix The density matrix encodes complete information of a quantum system. It describes a ray in the Hilbert space. It is Hermitian and positive, with Tr(ρ)=1. It generalises the concept of probability distribution to quantum theory. The real diagonal elements are the classical probabilities of observing various orthogonal eigenstates. The complex off-diagonal elements (coherences) describe quantum correlations among the orthogonal eigenstates. 1 Feb 2018, ISNFQC18, SNBNCBS, Kolkata A. Patel (CHEP, IISc) Quantum Trajectories for Entangled States / 22 Density Matrix The density matrix encodes complete information of a quantum system. It describes a ray in the Hilbert space. It is Hermitian and positive, with Tr(ρ)=1. It generalises the concept of probability distribution to quantum theory. The real diagonal elements are the classical probabilities of observing various orthogonal eigenstates. The complex off-diagonal elements (coherences) describe quantum correlations among the orthogonal eigenstates. For pure states, ρ2 = ρ and det(ρ)=0. Any power-series expandable function f (ρ) becomes a linear combination of ρ and I .