Observing the evolution of a quantum system that does not evolve

TL;DR

This paper explores how to gather information about a quantum system's evolution that is hindered by the quantum Zeno effect, showing that some data can still be obtained despite the system's apparent stasis.

Contribution

It demonstrates the theoretical possibility of extracting information and measuring decay rates from a quantum system affected by the quantum Zeno effect without actual evolution.

Findings

Information can be obtained despite the quantum Zeno effect.

Average decay rates can be measured even when the system does not evolve.

The approach provides insights into non-evolving quantum systems.

Abstract

This article deals with the problem of gathering information on the time evolution of a single metastable quantum system whose evolution is impeded by the quantum Zeno effect. It has been found it is in principle possible to obtain some information on the time evolution and, depending on the specific system, even to measure its average decay rate, even if the system does not undergo any evolution at all.