English

Frequently Asked Questions about Decoherence

Quantum Physics 2016-09-08 v2 Condensed Matter General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Abstract

We give a short, critical review of the issue of decoherence. We establish the most general framework in which decoherence can be discussed, how it can be quantified and how it can be measured. We focus on environment induced decoherence and its degree of usefulness for the interpretation of quantum theory. We finally discuss the emergence of a classical world. An overall emphasis is given in pointing at common fallacies and misconceptions.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.quant-ph/0011123,
  title  = {Frequently Asked Questions about Decoherence},
  author = {Charis Anastopoulos},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/0011123},
  year   = {2016}
}

Comments

18 pages, latex. This is a non-technical, critical review article on decoherence developed from material in a course on advanced quantum mechanics. The revised version has an additional introductory section and minor changes