A Wave Function approach to dissipative processes

TL;DR

This paper revisits a 1992 approach to modeling dissipative quantum processes using wave functions, providing a simple derivation of stochastic equations, and relates to Belavkin's earlier quantum filtering theory.

Contribution

It offers a straightforward derivation of stochastic wave function equations for dissipative quantum systems, independent of Belavkin's 1980s work.

Findings

Derivation of stochastic wave function equations for dissipative processes

Clarification of physical and mathematical foundations of quantum filtering

Connection to Belavkin's quantum filtering theory

Abstract

Due to growing interest in quantum measurement, control and feedback, we reproduce a manuscript from 1992, presenting a simple physical and mathematical derivation of stochastic differential equations for wave functions of probed quantum systems. V. P. Belavkins seminal quantum filtering theory with similar equations, developed in the 1980es, was not known to the authors at the time of writing of the present manuscript.