Decoherence as a relative phenomenon: a generalization of the spin-bath model
Quantum Physics
2009-07-14 v1
Abstract
In this paper we propose a closed-system perspective to study decoherence. From this perspective we analyze the spin-bath model as presented in the literature, and a natural generalization of that model. On the basis of the results obtained from that analysis, we argue that decoherence may be understood as a phenomenon relative to the partition of a closed system, selected in each particular case. This viewpoint frees the decoherence program from certain conceptual difficulties derived from its open-system perspective. We also argue that the usual picture of decoherence in terms of energy dissipation is misguided.
Cite
@article{arxiv.0907.1933,
title = {Decoherence as a relative phenomenon: a generalization of the spin-bath model},
author = {Mario Castagnino and Sebastian Fortin and Olimpia Lombardi},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0907.1933},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
25 pages, 12 figures