We numerically simulate the quantum measurement process by modeling the measuring apparatus as a one-dimensional Dirac comb that interacts with an incoming object particle. The global effect of the apparatus can be well schematized in terms of the total transmission probability and the decoherence parameter, which quantitatively characterizes the loss of quantum-mechanical coherence and the wave-function collapse by measurement. These two quantities alone enable one to judge whether the apparatus works well or not as a detection system. We derive simple theoretical formulas that are in excellent agreement with the numerical results, and can be very useful in order to make a ''design theory'' of a measuring system (detector). We also discuss some important characteristics of the wave-function collapse.
Decoherence and dephasing in a quantum measurement process
PASCAZIO, Saverio
1996-01-01
Abstract
We numerically simulate the quantum measurement process by modeling the measuring apparatus as a one-dimensional Dirac comb that interacts with an incoming object particle. The global effect of the apparatus can be well schematized in terms of the total transmission probability and the decoherence parameter, which quantitatively characterizes the loss of quantum-mechanical coherence and the wave-function collapse by measurement. These two quantities alone enable one to judge whether the apparatus works well or not as a detection system. We derive simple theoretical formulas that are in excellent agreement with the numerical results, and can be very useful in order to make a ''design theory'' of a measuring system (detector). We also discuss some important characteristics of the wave-function collapse.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
