The discussion centers on the relationship between quantum decoherence and the measurement process, particularly in the context of macroscopic detectors. Participants explore whether decoherence can account for the instantaneous outcomes of quantum measurements.
Participants express differing views on the role of decoherence in quantum measurement outcomes, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a consensus.
The discussion highlights the complexity of the relationship between decoherence and measurement, with participants pointing out various assumptions and conditions that influence their arguments.
No, because decoherence does not explain why measurements have single outcomes. It only explains why there is no interference between different outcomes.timmdeeg said:The decoherence time is extremely short for macroscopic objects like a detector. Does this mean that the outcome of a quantum measurement which happens instantaneous can be understood as being caused by decoherence?
The detector may be large, but what is important is how much influence a measurement has on the state of the detection system. A detector that captures a photon or other particle without disturbing its spin would not result in decoherence of the spin. Once a measurement has resulted in the movement of a dial or the recording or transmission of measurement data, that measured state is committed - it can be "understood" as decohered.timmdeeg said:The decoherence time is extremely short for macroscopic objects like a detector. Does this mean that the outcome of a quantum measurement which happens instantaneous can be understood as being caused by decoherence?