We point out that the celebrated GRW master equation is invariant under translations, reflecting the homogeneity of space, thus providing a particular realization of a general class of translation-covariant Markovian master equations. Such master equations are typically used for the description of decoherence due to momentum transfers between the system and environment. Building on this analogy we show the exact relationship between the GRW master equation and decoherence master equations, further providing a collisional decoherence model formally equivalent to the GRW master equation. This allows for a direct comparison of order of magnitudes of relevant parameters. This formal analogy should not lead to confusion on the utterly different spirit of the two research fields, in particular it has to be stressed that the decoherence approach does not lead to a solution of the measurement problem. Building on this analogy however the feasibility of the extension of spontaneous localization models in order to avoid the infinite energy growth is discussed. Apart from a particular case considered in the paper, it appears that the amplification mechanism is generally spoiled by such modifications.

On the precise connection between the GRW master-equation and master-equations for the description of decoherence / B. Vacchini. - In: JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. A, MATHEMATICAL AND THEORETICAL. - ISSN 1751-8113. - 40:10(2007), pp. 2463-2473.

On the precise connection between the GRW master-equation and master-equations for the description of decoherence

B. Vacchini
Primo
2007

Abstract

We point out that the celebrated GRW master equation is invariant under translations, reflecting the homogeneity of space, thus providing a particular realization of a general class of translation-covariant Markovian master equations. Such master equations are typically used for the description of decoherence due to momentum transfers between the system and environment. Building on this analogy we show the exact relationship between the GRW master equation and decoherence master equations, further providing a collisional decoherence model formally equivalent to the GRW master equation. This allows for a direct comparison of order of magnitudes of relevant parameters. This formal analogy should not lead to confusion on the utterly different spirit of the two research fields, in particular it has to be stressed that the decoherence approach does not lead to a solution of the measurement problem. Building on this analogy however the feasibility of the extension of spontaneous localization models in order to avoid the infinite energy growth is discussed. Apart from a particular case considered in the paper, it appears that the amplification mechanism is generally spoiled by such modifications.
Markov processes ; master equation ; quantum theory
Settore FIS/02 - Fisica Teorica, Modelli e Metodi Matematici
2007
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/29538
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