The change of dynamics in a quantum system under frequent or continuous observation, known as the quantum Zeno effect, is generally derived from the projection or reduction of the wave-packet hypothesis that is the central postulate in the theory of quantum measurements. The only experiment in which the Zeno effect has yet been clearly demonstrated, though, allows no conclusion on the necessity or validity of the projection postulate. This is shown by calculating, in detail, the outcome of the experiment on the basis of the standard three-level Bloch equations. These equations follow from the quantum theory of irreversible processes with no additional assumptions necessary, such as which part of the system serves as measuring apparatus or how efficient the measurement would be.The change of dynamics in a quantum system under frequent or continuous observation, known as the quantum Zeno effect, is generally derived from the projection or reduction of the wave-packet hypothesis that is the central postulate in the theory of quantum measurements. The only experiment in which the Zeno effect has yet been clearly demonstrated, though, allows no conclusion on the necessity or validity of the projection postulate. This is shown by calculating, in detail, the outcome of the experiment on the basis of the standard three-level Bloch equations. These equations follow from the quantum theory of irreversible processes with no additional assumptions necessary, such as which part of the system serves as measuring apparatus or how efficient the measurement would be.

Physical Review AAug 1, 1991118 citations

Quantum Zeno Effect in Heisenberg Picture and Critical Measurement Time

Wu Wang, Ruo-Xun Zhai, C. P. Sun

Quantum Zeno effect is conventionally interpreted by the assumption of the wave-packet collapse, in which does not involve the duration of measurement. However, we predict duration $τ_m$ of each measurement will appear in quantum Zeno effect by a dynamical approach. Moreover, there exists a model-free critical measurement time, which quantum Zeno effect does not occur when $τ_m$ takes some special values. In order to give these predictions, we first present a description of quantum Zeno effect in the Heisenberg picture, which is based on the expectation value of an observable and its fluctuation. Then we present a general proof for quantum Zeno effect in the Heisenberg picture, which is independent of the concrete systems. Finally, we calculate the average population and relative fluctuation after $N$ successive measurements in XX model, which agrees with our prediction about the critical measurement time.Quantum Zeno effect is conventionally interpreted by the assumption of the wave-packet collapse, in which does not involve the duration of measurement. However, we predict duration $τ_m$ of each measurement will appear in quantum Zeno effect by a dynamical approach. Moreover, there exists a model-free critical measurement time, which quantum Zeno effect does not occur when $τ_m$ takes some special values. In order to give these predictions, we first present a description of quantum Zeno effect in the Heisenberg picture, which is based on the expectation value of an observable and its fluctuation. Then we present a general proof for quantum Zeno effect in the Heisenberg picture, which is independent of the concrete systems. Finally, we calculate the average population and relative fluctuation after $N$ successive measurements in XX model, which agrees with our prediction about the critical measurement time.

arXiv:2103.11857Mar 22, 20210 citations

Quantum Zeno effect is conventionally interpreted by the assumption of the wave-packet collapse, in which does not involve the duration of measurement. However, we predict duration

τ_m

of each measurement will appear in quantum Zeno effect by a dynamical approach. Moreover, there exists a model-free critical measurement time, which quantum Zeno effect does not occur when

τ_m

takes some special values. In order to give these predictions, we first present a description of quantum Zeno effect in the Heisenberg picture, which is based on the expectation value of an observable and its fluctuation. Then we present a general proof for quantum Zeno effect in the Heisenberg picture, which is independent of the concrete systems. Finally, we calculate the average population and relative fluctuation after

N

successive measurements in XX model, which agrees with our prediction about the critical measurement time.