On the Definition of Decoherence

TL;DR

This paper explores a unified definition of decoherence that links quantum histories and environment-induced effects, ensuring a consistent probabilistic interpretation of quantum systems.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive decoherence definition combining multiple perspectives, advancing understanding of quantum system behavior.

Findings

Unified decoherence framework established

Ensures consistent probabilistic interpretation

Bridges quantum histories and environment effects

Abstract

We examine the relationship between the decoherence of quantum-mechanical histories of a closed system (as discussed by Gell-Mann and Hartle) and environmentally-induced diagonalization of the density operator for an open system. We study a definition of decoherence which incorporates both of these ideas, and show that it leads to a consistent probabilistic interpretation of the reduced density operator.