Understanding Coherence in Quantum Mechanics

In summary, coherence in quantum mechanics refers to the correlation of phases in a quantum system, allowing for phenomena like superposition and entanglement. It can be measured using tomography and interferometry, and there are different types such as temporal and spatial coherence. Coherence is crucial in quantum computing, but maintaining it is challenging due to decoherence caused by interactions with the environment. Researchers are working on improving techniques to mitigate this issue.
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Sheldon Cooper
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Hi,

Can anyone please explain the physical meaning of coherence(Quantum Mechanics).

Thanks is advance
 
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Physical meaning of coherence would be that beams of particles (or two parts of the same beam) are coherent if they show interference pattern when they overlap with different offsets.
 
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A term "coherent state" has two different meanings: a narrow one meant by A. Neumaier and a broad one meant by zonde.
 
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FAQ: Understanding Coherence in Quantum Mechanics

1. What is coherence in quantum mechanics?

Coherence in quantum mechanics refers to the property of a quantum system where the phases of its constituent parts are correlated and can interfere with each other. This allows for phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to occur.

2. How is coherence measured in quantum systems?

Coherence can be measured using techniques such as quantum state tomography, which involves performing measurements on the system and reconstructing its quantum state. Another method is to use interferometry, where the interference patterns of the system can reveal information about its coherence.

3. What are the different types of coherence?

There are two main types of coherence in quantum mechanics: temporal coherence, which refers to the ability of a system to maintain its quantum state over time, and spatial coherence, which refers to the ability of a system to maintain its quantum state over space. Other types of coherence include energy coherence, spin coherence, and phase coherence.

4. How does coherence affect quantum computing?

Coherence is a crucial factor in quantum computing as it allows for the manipulation and control of quantum states, which are the basic units of information in quantum computers. The longer the coherence time of a system, the more operations can be performed on it, making it more powerful for computing tasks.

5. What are some challenges in maintaining coherence in quantum systems?

Maintaining coherence in quantum systems is challenging due to interactions with the environment, which can cause decoherence. This can result in the loss of quantum information and lead to errors in calculations. Researchers are working on developing techniques to mitigate this decoherence and improve the coherence time of quantum systems.

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