Theoretical investigation of the relations between quantum decoherence and weak-to-strong measurement transition

TL;DR

This paper provides a theoretical analysis of how quantum decoherence relates to the transition from weak to strong measurements, using a general model and the Stern-Gerlach experiment to reveal a universal transition factor.

Contribution

It introduces a unified theoretical framework linking quantum decoherence with the weak-to-strong measurement transition through a universal transition factor.

Findings

Decoherence and measurement transition are characterized by a universal transition factor.

The framework clarifies the relation between decoherence and measurement strength.

Analysis applies to general models and the Stern-Gerlach experiment.

Abstract

This paper delves into the crucial aspects of pointer-induced quantum decoherence and the transition between von Neumann's projective strong measurement and Aharonov's weak measurement. Both phenomena significantly impact the dynamical understanding of quantum measurement processes. Specifically, we focus on the interplay between quantum decoherence and the transition from weak to strong measurement by deducing and comparing the quantum decoherence and weak-to-strong measurement transition factors within a general model and using the well-known Stern-Gerlach experiment as an illustrative example. Our findings reveal that both phenomena can be effectively characterized by a universal transition factor intricately linked to the coupling between the system and the measurement apparatus. The analysis presented can clarify the mechanism behind the relations of quantum decoherence to the weak measurement and weak-to-strong measurement transition.