Illusory Decoherence

TL;DR

This paper explores how random processes in quantum experiments can create the illusion of irreversible decoherence, even when the underlying evolution is reversible and unitary, through constructed thought experiments.

Contribution

It introduces thought experiments demonstrating that apparent decoherence can be an illusion caused by randomness in quantum measurements.

Findings

Random processes can mimic irreversible decoherence.

Reversible quantum evolution can appear decoherent due to measurement randomness.

Thought experiments illustrate the illusion of decoherence.

Abstract

If a quantum experiment includes random processes, then the results of repeated measurements can appear consistent with irreversible decoherence even if the system's evolution prior to measurement was reversible and unitary. Two thought experiments are constructed as examples.