Description of decoherence by means of translation-covariant master equations and Levy processes

TL;DR

This paper links translation-covariant master equations with Levy processes to describe quantum decoherence, providing a unified framework that connects classical stochastic processes with quantum dissipation phenomena.

Contribution

It establishes a general connection between Levy process characteristic functions and quantum decoherence within translation-covariant master equations, integrating microphysical models and experiments.

Findings

Connection between Levy processes and quantum decoherence

Framework applicable to experimental interferometry

Insights into classical-quantum boundary phenomena

Abstract

Translation-covariant Markovian master equations used in the description of decoherence and dissipation are considered in the general framework of Holevo's results on the characterization of generators of covariant quantum dynamical semigroups. A general connection between the characteristic function of classical L\'evy processes and loss of coherence of the statistical operator describing the center of mass degrees of freedom of a quantum system interacting through momentum transfer events with an environment is established. The relationship with both microphysical models and experimental realizations is considered, focusing in particular on recent interferometric experiments exploring the boundaries between classical and quantum world.