Duration of quantum transitions

francois Grimonprez

This preprint proposes an intrinsic, observer-independent criterion for the quantum–classical transition based on temporal persistence of spatial coordinates. Classicality is defined by non-null duration of coordinate existence rather than spatial definiteness, reframing the transition as ontological stratification by duration. The framework is compatible with standard quantum mechanics and connects naturally with the path integral formulation.

D. I. Blokhint︠s︡ev

Daulet Berkimbayev

A closed Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker Wheeler-DeWitt model is formulated as an exact reflection problem. The derivative of its reflection phase defines a relational crossing duration whose first two clock moments follow from a covariant scalar-clock observable. An analytic expression is obtained for this duration, its classical recollapse limit, and the leading quantum correction. A finite spectral packet also gives an operational, equal-prior minimum error probability for distinguishing the two orientations of recollapse with a geometric reading. The construction is extended to a bounded finite quantum detector. Its multichannel reflection matrix yields probe transitions, spectral-probe correlations, and a matrix duration. A direct weak-coupling calculation verifies the predicted transition and duration scalings. Scalar-clock conditioning and oriented geometric sections are shown to be local representations of the same positive-frequency Dirac sector. These results define duration and transition observables entirely through correlations and scattering records of a stationary constrained state, without introducing a background clock.

Jean Salmon

C.A. Hamilton, Frances L. Lloyd, Rick Peterson +1 more

A method is described for automating a technique which is used to sample transition duration (rise time) in superconducting logic circuits. The method is based on measuring the time at which a biased Josephson junction switches under the influence of an applied signal. The system transition duration is limited primarily by time jitter which is estimated to be 7 ps. Transition durations of as little as 9 ps have been observed.

Jean Salmon