QUANTUM MEASUREMENT OF A SINGLE SYSTEM

Orly Alter, Yoshihisa Yamamoto9780471283089, 0-471-28308-8

A groundbreaking look at the nature of quantum mechanics With new technologies permitting the observation and manipulation of single quantum systems, the quantum theory of measurement is fast becoming a subject of experimental investigation in laboratories worldwide. This original new work addresses open fundamental questions in quantum mechanics in light of these experimental developments. Using a novel analytical approach developed by the authors, Quantum Measurement of a Single System provides answers to three long-standing questions that have been debated by such thinkers as Bohr, Einstein, Heisenberg, and Schrodinger. It establishes the quantum theoretical limits to information obtained in the measurement of a single system on the quantum wavefunction of the system, the time evolution of the quantum observables associated with the system, and the classical potentials or forces which shape this time evolution. The technological relevance of the theory is also demonstrated through examples from atomic physics, quantum optics, and mesoscopic physics. Suitable for professionals, students, or readers with a general interest in quantum mechanics, the book features recent formulations as well as humorous illustrations of the basic concepts of quantum measurement. Researchers in physics and engineering will find Quantum Measurement of a Single System a timely guide to one of the most stimulating fields of science today.

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Table of contents :
Cover Page……Page 1
Title: QUANTUM MEASUREMENT OF A SINGLE SYSTEM……Page 3
ISBN 0471283088……Page 4
CONTENTS (with page links)……Page 5
4 MEASUREMENTS WITHOUT ENTANGLEMENT OF A SINGLE QUANTUM SYSTEM……Page 6
7 FUNDAMENTAL QUANTUM LIMIT TO EXTERNAL FORCE DETECTION VIA MONITORING A SINGLE HARMONIC OSCILLATOR (OR FREE MASS)……Page 7
8 ESTABLISHED LIMITS TO INFORMATION IN THE QUANTUM MEASUREMENT OF A SINGLE SYSTEM……Page 8
PREFACE……Page 9
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS (with page links)……Page 11
1 OPEN FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS OF LIMITS TO INFORMATION IN THE QUANTUM MEASUREMENT OF A SINGLE SYSTEM……Page 13
2 IMPOSSIBlLlTY OF DETERMINlNG THE UNKNOWN QUANTUM WAVEFUNCTION OF A SINGLE SYSTEM……Page 23
3 QUANTUM NONDEMOLITION (QND) MEASUREMENTS OF A SINGLE SYSTEM……Page 35
4 MEASUREMENTS WITHOUT ENTANGLEMENT OF A SINGLE QUANTUM SYSTEM……Page 63
5 ADIABATIC MEASUREMENTS OF A SINGLE QUANTUM SYSTEM……Page 77
6 QUANTUM ZENO EFFECT OF A SINGLE SYSTEM……Page 87
7 FUNDAMENTAL QUANTUM LIMIT TO EXTERNAL FORCE DETECTION VIA MONITORING A SINGLE HARMONIC OSCILLATOR (OR FREE MASS)……Page 103
8 ESTABLISHED LIMITS TO INFORMATION IN THE QUANTUM MEASUREMENT OF A SINGLE SYSTEM……Page 129
BIBLIOGRAPHY……Page 135
INDEX (with page links)……Page 145