Testing Quantum Dissipation Theory with Electron Diffraction

TL;DR

This paper proposes an experimental method to simultaneously measure decoherence and dissipation effects on electron waves near a resistive surface, testing the foundational Caldeira-Leggett quantum dissipation theory.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental approach using Kapitza-Dirac scattering to test quantum dissipation predictions with electrons near a resistive surface.

Findings

Proposes simultaneous measurement of decoherence and energy loss.

Links electron coherence loss to resistive surface environment.

Suggests experimental validation of Caldeira-Leggett theory.

Abstract

Decoherence can be provided by a dissipative environment as described by the Caldeira-Leggett equation. This equation is foundational to the theory of quantum dissipation. However, no experimental test has been performed that measures for one physical system both the dissipation and the decoherence. Anglin and Zurek predicted that a resistive surface could provide such a dissipative environment for a free electron wave passing close to it. We propose that the electron wave's coherence and energy loss can be measured simultaneously by using Kapitza-Dirac scattering for varying light intensity.