Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: We describe how quasiclassical relative positions of particles emerge in an initially delocalized quantum system as scattering of a probe beam is observed. We show that in the multiparticle case this localization in position space occurs via intermediate states that are quantum superpositions of spatial configurations. These superpositions are robust to consecutive scattering events, and scattering alone does not lead to their decoherence. Instead the free evolution of the system combines with scattering to destroy these superpositions, leading the particles to adopt classical-like positions relative to one another.
Source: Physical Review A
Authors: James S. Douglas, Keith Burnett
Institution: University of Sheffield
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1994850592