Normalization of collisional decoherence: squaring the delta function, and an independent cross-check
Abstract
We show that when the Hornberger-Sipe calculation of collisional decoherence is carried out with the squared delta function a delta of energy, instead of a delta of the absolute value of momentum, following a method introduced by Diósi, the corrected formula for the decoherence rate is simply obtained. The results of Hornberger and Sipe and of Diósi are shown to be in agreement. As an independent cross-check, we calculate the mean squared coordinate diffusion of a hard sphere implied by the corrected decoherence master equation, and show that it agrees precisely with the same quantity as calculated by a classical Brownian motion analysis.
- Publication:
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Journal of Physics A Mathematical General
- Pub Date:
- November 2006
- DOI:
- arXiv:
- arXiv:quant-ph/0607109
- Bibcode:
- 2006JPhA...3914067A
- Keywords:
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- Quantum Physics;
- High Energy Physics - Phenomenology;
- High Energy Physics - Theory;
- Mathematical Physics
- E-Print:
- Tex: 14 pages 7/30/06: revisions to introduction, and references added 9/29/06: further minor revisions and references added