Frequently Asked Questions about Decoherence

TL;DR

This paper critically reviews decoherence, establishing a general framework for its quantification and measurement, focusing on environment-induced decoherence and its role in the emergence of classicality in quantum theory.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive framework for discussing decoherence, clarifies misconceptions, and evaluates its significance in interpreting quantum phenomena.

Findings

Decoherence can be rigorously quantified and measured within a general framework.

Environment-induced decoherence plays a crucial role in the quantum-to-classical transition.

Common fallacies about decoherence are identified and addressed.

Abstract

We give a short, critical review of the issue of decoherence. We establish the most general framework in which decoherence can be discussed, how it can be quantified and how it can be measured. We focus on environment induced decoherence and its degree of usefulness for the interpretation of quantum theory. We finally discuss the emergence of a classical world. An overall emphasis is given in pointing at common fallacies and misconceptions.