On the effect of decoherence on quantum tunnelling
Abstract This work proposes a series of quantum experiments that can, at least in principle, allow for examining microscopic mechanisms associated with decoherence. These experiments can be interpreted as a quantum-mechanical version of non-equilibrium mixing between two volumes separated by a thin...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2021-06-01
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| Series: | SN Applied Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04675-5 |
| _version_ | 1818572611360129024 |
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| author | A. Y. Klimenko |
| author_facet | A. Y. Klimenko |
| author_sort | A. Y. Klimenko |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract This work proposes a series of quantum experiments that can, at least in principle, allow for examining microscopic mechanisms associated with decoherence. These experiments can be interpreted as a quantum-mechanical version of non-equilibrium mixing between two volumes separated by a thin interface. One of the principal goals of such experiments is in identifying non-equilibrium conditions when time-symmetric laws give way to time-directional, irreversible processes, which are represented by decoherence at the quantum level. The rate of decoherence is suggested to be examined indirectly, with minimal intrusions—this can be achieved by measuring tunnelling rates that, in turn, are affected by decoherence. Decoherence is understood here as a general process that does not involve any significant exchanges of energy and governed by a particular class of the Kraus operators. The present work analyses different regimes of tunnelling in the presence of decoherence and obtains formulae that link the corresponding rates of tunnelling and decoherence under different conditions. It is shown that the effects on tunnelling of intrinsic decoherence and of decoherence due to unitary interactions with the environment are similar but not the same and can be distinguished in experiments. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-14T23:59:55Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-81da8a763dd1490ba4911bf7166487cf |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2523-3963 2523-3971 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-14T23:59:55Z |
| publishDate | 2021-06-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | SN Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-81da8a763dd1490ba4911bf7166487cf2022-12-21T22:42:57ZengSpringerSN Applied Sciences2523-39632523-39712021-06-013712310.1007/s42452-021-04675-5On the effect of decoherence on quantum tunnellingA. Y. Klimenko0The University of QueenslandAbstract This work proposes a series of quantum experiments that can, at least in principle, allow for examining microscopic mechanisms associated with decoherence. These experiments can be interpreted as a quantum-mechanical version of non-equilibrium mixing between two volumes separated by a thin interface. One of the principal goals of such experiments is in identifying non-equilibrium conditions when time-symmetric laws give way to time-directional, irreversible processes, which are represented by decoherence at the quantum level. The rate of decoherence is suggested to be examined indirectly, with minimal intrusions—this can be achieved by measuring tunnelling rates that, in turn, are affected by decoherence. Decoherence is understood here as a general process that does not involve any significant exchanges of energy and governed by a particular class of the Kraus operators. The present work analyses different regimes of tunnelling in the presence of decoherence and obtains formulae that link the corresponding rates of tunnelling and decoherence under different conditions. It is shown that the effects on tunnelling of intrinsic decoherence and of decoherence due to unitary interactions with the environment are similar but not the same and can be distinguished in experiments.https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04675-5DecoherenceQuantum tunnellingNon-equilibrium dynamics |
| spellingShingle | A. Y. Klimenko On the effect of decoherence on quantum tunnelling SN Applied Sciences Decoherence Quantum tunnelling Non-equilibrium dynamics |
| title | On the effect of decoherence on quantum tunnelling |
| title_full | On the effect of decoherence on quantum tunnelling |
| title_fullStr | On the effect of decoherence on quantum tunnelling |
| title_full_unstemmed | On the effect of decoherence on quantum tunnelling |
| title_short | On the effect of decoherence on quantum tunnelling |
| title_sort | on the effect of decoherence on quantum tunnelling |
| topic | Decoherence Quantum tunnelling Non-equilibrium dynamics |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04675-5 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT ayklimenko ontheeffectofdecoherenceonquantumtunnelling |