Numerical analysis of a spontaneous collapse model for a two-level system

Angelo Bassi and Emiliano Ippoliti
Phys. Rev. A 69, 012105 – Published 27 January 2004
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Abstract

We study a spontaneous collapse model for a two-level (spin) system, in which the Hamiltonian and the stochastic terms do not commute. The numerical solution of the equations of motions allows one to give precise estimates on the regime at which the collapse of the state vector occurs, the reduction and delocalization times, and the reduction probabilities; it also allows one to quantify the effect that a Hamiltonian which does not commute with the reducing terms has on the collapse mechanism. We also give a clear picture of the transition from the “microscopic” regime (when the noise terms are weak and the Hamiltonian prevents the state vector to collapse) to the “macroscopic” regime (when the noise terms are dominant and the collapse becomes effective for very long times). Finally, we clarify the distinction between decoherence and collapse.

  • Received 10 July 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.69.012105

©2004 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Angelo Bassi*

  • The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Trieste, Italy

Emiliano Ippoliti

  • Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Trieste, and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Trieste, Italy

  • *Electronic address: bassi@ictp.trieste.it
  • Electronic address: ippoliti@ts.infn.it

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Vol. 69, Iss. 1 — January 2004

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