Loss of quantum coherence in a system coupled to a zero-temperature environment

Frédéric Faure (1)

1 IF - Institut Fourier

We discuss the influence of a zero-temperature environment on a coherent quantum system. First, we calculate the reduced density operator of the system in the framework of the well-known, exactly solvable model of an oscillator coupled to a bath of harmonic oscillators. Then, we propose the sketch of an Aharonov–Bohm-like interferometer showing, through interference measurements, the decrease of the coherence length of the system due to the interaction with the environment, even in the zero temperature limit.

Domaines: Physique mathématique [math-ph]

Frédéric Faure. Loss of quantum coherence in a system coupled to a zero-temperature environment. The European Physical Journal B: Condensed Matter and Complex Systems, 2005, 46, pp.519-528. ⟨hal-00383052⟩