We study the decoherence of a renormalized quantum field theoretical system. We consider our novel correlator approach to decoherence where entropy is generated by neglecting observationally inaccessible correlators. Using out-of-equilibrium field theory techniques at finite temperatures, we show that the Gaussian von Neumann entropy for a pure quantum state asymptotes to the interacting thermal entropy. The decoherence rate can be well described by the single particle decay rate in our model. Connecting to electroweak baryogenesis scenarios, we moreover study the effects on the entropy of a changing mass of the system field. Finally, we compare our correlator approach to existing approaches to decoherence in the simple quantum mechanical analogue of our field theoretical model. The entropy following from the perturbative master equation suffers from physically unacceptable secular growth.We study the decoherence of a renormalized quantum field theoretical system. We consider our novel correlator approach to decoherence where entropy is generated by neglecting observationally inaccessible correlators. Using out-of-equilibrium field theory techniques at finite temperatures, we show that the Gaussian von Neumann entropy for a pure quantum state asymptotes to the interacting thermal entropy. The decoherence rate can be well described by the single particle decay rate in our model. Connecting to electroweak baryogenesis scenarios, we moreover study the effects on the entropy of a changing mass of the system field. Finally, we compare our correlator approach to existing approaches to decoherence in the simple quantum mechanical analogue of our field theoretical model. The entropy following from the perturbative master equation suffers from physically unacceptable secular growth.

arXiv:1102.4713Physical review. D. Particles, fields, gravitation, and cosmology/Physical review. D. Particles and fieldsApr 11, 201142 citations

Quantum Decoherence and Entropy in High-Energy Interactions

Hans-Thomas Elze

NATO ASI series. Series B : PhysicsJan 1, 19950 citations

Decoherence in an interacting quantum field theory: The vacuum case

Jurjen F. Koksma, Tomislav Prokopec, Michael G. Schmidt

We apply the decoherence formalism to an interacting scalar field theory. In the spirit of the decoherence literature, we consider a ``system field'' and an ``environment field'' that interact via a cubic coupling. We solve for the propagator of the system field, where we include the self-energy corrections due to the interaction with the environment field. In this paper, we consider an environment in the vacuum state ( $T=0$ ). We show that neglecting inaccessible non-Gaussian correlators increases the entropy of the system as perceived by the observer. Moreover, we consider the effect of a changing mass of the system field in the adiabatic regime, and we find that at late times no additional entropy has been generated.We apply the decoherence formalism to an interacting scalar field theory. In the spirit of the decoherence literature, we consider a ``system field'' and an ``environment field'' that interact via a cubic coupling. We solve for the propagator of the system field, where we include the self-energy corrections due to the interaction with the environment field. In this paper, we consider an environment in the vacuum state ($T=0$). We show that neglecting inaccessible non-Gaussian correlators increases the entropy of the system as perceived by the observer. Moreover, we consider the effect of a changing mass of the system field in the adiabatic regime, and we find that at late times no additional entropy has been generated.

arXiv:0910.5733Physical review. D. Particles, fields, gravitation, and cosmology/Physical review. D. Particles and fieldsMar 26, 201040 citations

Entropy and correlators in quantum field theory

Jurjen F. Koksma, Tomislav Prokopec, Michael G. Schmidt

arXiv:1002.0749Annals of PhysicsApr 11, 201025 citations

Paper I: The Entropion Field: A Scalar Mediator of Decoherence and Time Flow

Mazen Zaino

This work introduces a physically grounded scalar field, termed the Entropion Field, proposed to account for the emergence of entropy, the unidirectionality of time, and quantum decoherence as dynamical phenomena. Standard interpretations of quantum mechanics, such as the Copenhagen interpretation, the Many-Worlds interpretation, and objective collapse theories, fail to provide a predictive and testable mechanism for wave function collapse. Similarly, the second law of thermodynamics is typically attributed to boundary conditions, lacking a fundamental dynamical explanation. We propose that a real scalar field ϕ(x^μ) permeates spacetime and couples to quantum amplitudes, entropy density, and spacetime curvature. This coupling induces a spontaneous breaking of time-reversal symmetry and introduces a localized decoherence mechanism governed by entropy gradients. The Entropion Field arises within the context of the 4D Quantum Projection Hypothesis, in which quantum systems are modeled as three-dimensional projections of higher-dimensional spatial configurations. The theory is expressed through a field-theoretic Lagrangian: L_total = L_SM + L_GR + L_ϕ + L_int where L_SM is the Standard Model Lagrangian, L_GR is the Einstein-Hilbert term, L_ϕ includes the kinetic and potential terms of the Entropion field, and L_int encodes its coupling to entropy gradients, quantum systems, and spacetime geometry. The framework leads to several distinct, testable predictions: Spatial alignment between gradients in ϕ and observed decoherence rates in open quantum systems, particularly in regions with strong entropy flux or curvature. Controlled violations of unitarity in quantum evolution, governed by local entropy conditions, resulting in state collapse without requiring observer-induced postulates. Modified Einstein field equations due to the inclusion of a scalar stress-energy term T_μν(ϕ) , contributing to late-time cosmological dynamics and vacuum energy structure. The Entropion framework replaces statistical and interpretive assumptions with a field-theoretic mechanism for entropy generation, quantum state reduction, and temporal asymmetry. It establishes direct links between thermodynamics, quantum measurement, and gravitational theory, and defines a set of experimental regimes capable of falsifying or supporting its predictions.This work introduces a physically grounded scalar field, termed the Entropion Field, proposed to account for the emergence of entropy, the unidirectionality of time, and quantum decoherence as dynamical phenomena. Standard interpretations of quantum mechanics, such as the Copenhagen interpretation, the Many-Worlds interpretation, and objective collapse theories, fail to provide a predictive and testable mechanism for wave function collapse. Similarly, the second law of thermodynamics is typically attributed to boundary conditions, lacking a fundamental dynamical explanation. We propose that a real scalar field ϕ(x^μ) permeates spacetime and couples to quantum amplitudes, entropy density, and spacetime curvature. This coupling induces a spontaneous breaking of time-reversal symmetry and introduces a localized decoherence mechanism governed by entropy gradients. The Entropion Field arises within the context of the 4D Quantum Projection Hypothesis, in which quantum systems are modeled as three-dimensional projections of higher-dimensional spatial configurations. The theory is expressed through a field-theoretic Lagrangian: L_total = L_SM + L_GR + L_ϕ + L_int where L_SM is the Standard Model Lagrangian, L_GR is the Einstein-Hilbert term, L_ϕ includes the kinetic and potential terms of the Entropion field, and L_int encodes its coupling to entropy gradients, quantum systems, and spacetime geometry. The framework leads to several distinct, testable predictions: Spatial alignment between gradients in ϕ and observed decoherence rates in open quantum systems, particularly in regions with strong entropy flux or curvature. Controlled violations of unitarity in quantum evolution, governed by local entropy conditions, resulting in state collapse without requiring observer-induced postulates. Modified Einstein field equations due to the inclusion of a scalar stress-energy term T_μν(ϕ) , contributing to late-time cosmological dynamics and vacuum energy structure. The Entropion framework replaces statistical and interpretive assumptions with a field-theoretic mechanism for entropy generation, quantum state reduction, and temporal asymmetry. It establishes direct links between thermodynamics, quantum measurement, and gravitational theory, and defines a set of experimental regimes capable of falsifying or supporting its predictions.

Jul 8, 20250 citations

T=0

). We show that neglecting inaccessible non-Gaussian correlators increases the entropy of the system as perceived by the observer. Moreover, we consider the effect of a changing mass of the system field in the adiabatic regime, and we find that at late times no additional entropy has been generated.