English

Decoherence, Time Scales and Pointer States

Quantum Physics 2012-01-10 v2

Abstract

Certain issues regarding the time-scales over which environment-induced decoherence occurs, and the nature of emergent pointer states, are discussed. A model system, namely, a Stern-Gerlach setup coupled to a quantum mechanical "heat-bath" is studied. The emergent pointer states for this system are obtained, which are different from those discussed in the literature. It is pointed out that this difference is due to some confusion regarding the decoherence time-scale, which is clarified here.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1109.2412,
  title  = {Decoherence, Time Scales and Pointer States},
  author = {Tabish Qureshi},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1109.2412},
  year   = {2012}
}

Comments

Few important modifications. To appear in Physica A

R2 v1 2026-06-21T19:03:21.626Z