"Decoherence usually requires interaction with something macroscopic and an environment"

In summary, Bhobba explained that decoherence occurs when there is interaction with a macroscopic object and an environment. However, even if an object is frozen and shielded from thermal vibrations and CMBR, decoherence can still occur due to other factors. Without decoherence, the collapse interpretation suggests that the atoms and molecules in the object would not collapse and may exist as vectors in Hilbert space. However, this is a misconception and has not been observed in experiments.
  • #1
fanieh
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Bhobba said "Decoherence usually requires interaction with something macroscopic and an environment".

I assume decoherence still occur to the atoms and molecules inside any object because they are exposed to the thermal vibrations and CMBR.

Let's say for sake of discussion we can freeze an object such that the thermal vibrations no longer serve as environment and put it in container that would completely avoid any CMBR exposure. So decoherence won't happen to the atoms/molecules?

Using collapse interpretation.. without decoherence.. they won't collapse.. so does it mean the atoms/molecules and object suddenly become vectors in Hilbert space and vanish from physical sight? To what extend has experiments like this been done?
 
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  • #2
fanieh said:
does it mean the atoms/molecules and object suddenly become vectors in Hilbert space and vanish from physical sight?

This was a misconception when you brought it up in a previous thread and it's still a misconception. Please do not post about it again.

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FAQ: "Decoherence usually requires interaction with something macroscopic and an environment"

What is decoherence?

Decoherence is a process in quantum mechanics where a quantum system becomes entangled with its surrounding environment, causing it to lose its quantum properties and behave classically.

What does it mean for decoherence to require interaction with something macroscopic?

This means that decoherence only occurs when a quantum system interacts with a large enough object, such as a macroscopic particle or a measuring device. This interaction causes the quantum system to lose its delicate quantum state and become entangled with the macroscopic object.

Why does decoherence require an environment?

An environment is necessary for decoherence because it provides the necessary physical interactions for the quantum system to become entangled. Without an environment, the quantum system would remain isolated and maintain its quantum properties.

How does decoherence affect the measurement of quantum systems?

Decoherence plays a crucial role in the measurement of quantum systems as it causes the collapse of the quantum state into a classical state. This allows us to measure and observe the system without interference from its quantum properties.

Is decoherence reversible?

No, decoherence is an irreversible process. Once a quantum system becomes entangled with its environment, it loses its quantum properties and cannot be restored. This is why it is important for scientists to minimize or control decoherence in quantum systems.

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