Quantum Physics
[Submitted on 29 Dec 2009 (v1), last revised 23 May 2010 (this version, v2)]
With a choice of boundary conditions for solutions of the Schrödinger equation, state vectors and density operators even for closed systems evolve asymmetrically in time. For open systems, standard quantum mechanics consequently predicts irreversibility and signatures of the extrinsic arrow of time. The result is a new framework for the treatment of decoherence, not based on a reduced dynamics or a master equation. As an application, using a general model we quantitatively match previously puzzling experimental results and can conclude that they are the measurable consequence of the indistinguishability of separate, uncontrolled interactions between systems and their environment.
Submission history
From: Peter Bryant [view email]
[v1] Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:14:11 UTC (437 KB)
[v2] Sun, 23 May 2010 23:09:14 UTC (451 KB)
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