On the effect of decoherence on quantum tunnelling

Abstract

This work proposes a series of quantum experiments that can, at least in principle, allow for examining microscopic mechanisms associated with decoherence. These experiments can be interpreted as a quantum-mechanical version of non-equilibrium mixing between two volumes separated by a thin interface. One of the principal goals of such experiments is in identifying non-equilibrium conditions when time-symmetric laws give way to time-directional, irreversible processes, which are represented by decoherence at the quantum level. The rate of decoherence is suggested to be examined indirectly, with minimal intrusions—this can be achieved by measuring tunnelling rates that, in turn, are affected by decoherence. Decoherence is understood here as a general process that does not involve any significant exchanges of energy and governed by a particular class of the Kraus operators. The present work analyses different regimes of tunnelling in the presence of decoherence and obtains formulae that link the corresponding rates of tunnelling and decoherence under different conditions. It is shown that the effects on tunnelling of intrinsic decoherence and of decoherence due to unitary interactions with the environment are similar but not the same and can be distinguished in experiments.

Relating a System’s Hamiltonian to its Entropy Production Using a Complex-Time Approach

“…The physical interpretation of time, and the peculiar characteristics of the Arrow of Time, have long excited scientific curiosity and generated perplexing puzzles. Alexander Klimenko 1 has recently summarized the issues (with extensive references) in the context of a deep discussion of quantum decoherence as an indicator of irreversibility. We will approach the issues from a rather different point of view, accepting the standard treatments of causality.…”

Supernovae and the Arrow of Time

“…Active discussions still pertained to whether the direct influence of these initial conditions suffices to explain the broad range of observations with time-directional phenomena at the quantum, classical and relativistic scales. For details see [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. We appreciate the importance of the fundamental studies of the arrow of time [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”

“…For details see [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. We appreciate the importance of the fundamental studies of the arrow of time [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. We also acknowledge that stellar evolution and supernovae blasts are multi-scale and multi-physics phenomena with complex interplays of processes and scales, including electro-dynamic, relativistic, quantum, thermodynamic and mechanical aspects [ 2 ].…”

On Nonuniqueness of Quantum Channel for Fixed Input-Output States: Case of Decoherence Channel

“…Decoherence is a central concept in the quantum theory of open systems and measurements (see [1][2][3][4] and the references therein). It plays key roles in diverse topics, including foundations of thermostatistics, quantum information processing and the emergence of the classical from the quantum.…”