Objective Properties from Subjective Quantum States: Environment as a Witness

Harold Ollivier, David Poulin, and Wojciech H. Zurek
Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 220401 – Published 22 November 2004

Abstract

We study the emergence of objective properties in open quantum systems. In our analysis, the environment is promoted from a passive role of a reservoir selectively destroying quantum coherence to an active role of amplifier selectively proliferating information about the system. We show that only preferred pointer states of the system can leave a redundant and therefore easily detectable imprint on the environment. Observers who—as is almost always the case—discover the state of the system indirectly (by probing a fraction of its environment) will find out only about the corresponding pointer observable. Many observers can act in this fashion independently and without perturbing the system. They will agree about its state. In this operational sense, preferred pointer states exist objectively.

  • Figure
  • Received 24 July 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.220401

©2004 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Harold Ollivier1,2, David Poulin1,3, and Wojciech H. Zurek1

  • 1Theoretical Division, LANL, MS B213, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
  • 2INRIA—Projet Codes, BP 105, F-78153 Le Chesnay, France
  • 3Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 93, Iss. 22 — 26 November 2004

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×