Wigner function and decoherence in quantum cosmology

Salman Habib and Raymond Laflamme
Phys. Rev. D 42, 4056 – Published 15 December 1990
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Abstract

We investigate the retrieval of classical behavior from the wave function of the Universe. It has been previously argued that to do this two conditions are necessary: decoherence (or lack of quantum interference) and the existence of classical correlations. Using the Wigner function we study the mutual compatibility of these requirements. Assuming the correlation interpretation of Geroch and Hartle, we show that some form of coarse graining is essential for the theory to predict classical behavior from WKB wave functions. We also show that there must be a compromise between the degree of decoherence and the sharpness of classical correlations. A minisuperspace model is used as an example to illustrate these points.

  • Received 6 June 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.42.4056

©1990 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Salman Habib and Raymond Laflamme

  • Department of Physics, The University of British Columbia, 6224 Agriculture Road, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2A6, Canada

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Issue

Vol. 42, Iss. 12 — 15 December 1990

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