State reduction dynamics in a simplified QED model

TL;DR

This paper models quantum state reduction in a simplified QED system by extending the Schrödinger equation with stochastic nonlinear terms, demonstrating stable field states and deriving reduction timescales through numerical simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a modified Schrödinger dynamics for a simplified QED model that captures state reduction and provides numerical evidence for the process and timescales involved.

Findings

Stable coherent field states result from the modified dynamics.

State reduction occurs to a generalized current state due to field interaction.

Numerical simulations confirm the derived reduction timescale.

Abstract

A simplified model of quantum electrodynamics involving a charged two-state system interacting with an electromagnetic field mode is examined. By extending the Schrodinger equation to include stochastic and nonlinear terms the dynamical process of quantum state reduction can be represented. A specific choice of modified Schrodinger dynamics is shown to result in stable coherent field states. The two-state system undergoes an induced state reduction to a generalised current state due to its interaction with the field mode. Numerical results are presented demonstrating state reduction dynamics for an initial superposition of two current states. An induced reduction time-scale for the two-state system is derived and confirmed by the numerics.