Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

International Journal of Physics and Mathematics

Emergence of classicality in quantum measurement: Decoherence, preferred bases, and the quantum-classical boundary

Sachin .

Published Jul 1, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher
DOI
10.33545/26648636.2025.v7.i2d.245

Related papers

Emergence of classicality in quantum measurement: Decoherence, preferred bases, and the quantum-classical boundary

Sachin .

This study offers a comprehensive technical analysis of the mechanisms through which classical behavior emerges from the dynamics of quantum measurement. Beginning with unitary evolution and the principles of measurement, we construct the framework of environment-induced decoherence, the selection of pointer states, and the reduction of interference. Our examination focuses on how effective classicality emerges through reduced density matrices, quantum Darwinism, and consistent histories, highlighting the importance of system-environment interactions in determining stable observables. The review investigates into mathematical constructs such as spectral theory, completely positive maps, and quantum trajectories, linking them to experimental observations in mesoscopic systems, optomechanics, and superconducting circuits. We explore the constraints of decoherence in addressing the outcome problem and review interpretational models that tackle the remaining issues. The discussion emphasizes applications in quantum information, metrology, and tests of macroscopic superpositions. The article favors physical insights and mathematical guidance over exhaustive proofs, making it suitable for researchers in quantum foundations and quantum technologies.

International Journal of Physics and Mathematics•Jul 1, 2025•0 citations

Decoherence and the quantum measurement problem

Paul Meuffels

American Journal of Physics•Nov 20, 2007•0 citations

Decoherence and the Measurement Problem of Quantum Mechanics

Hongfang Li

Journal of Wuhan University of Technology-Mater Sci Ed•Jan 1, 2008•0 citations

Quantum Decoherence

Elise M. Crull

Quantum decoherence is a physical process resulting from a system’s entanglement with an environment. This chapter examines the explanatory wealth of decoherence when brought to bear on foundational issues such as the question of why certain measurement bases seem to be preferred by nature – including the pointer basis of measuring apparatuses – the old familiar measurement problem, and the emergence of classicality. Decoherence satisfactorily explains the behavior of the ammonia molecule. Decoherence introduces no additional nonlinearity but “simply takes real, inevitable, interaction with external degrees of freedom to bear in the Hamiltonian”. The basis-specific nature of decoherence will allow for a satisfying explanation to one of quantum mechanics’ oldest mysteries: that of the pointer basis. The basis-specific nature of decoherence will allow for a satisfying explanation to one of quantum mechanics’ oldest mysteries: that of the pointer basis.

Routledge eBooks•Aug 11, 2021•18 citations

The Emergence of Classicality from Quantum Theory

Erich Joos

A thoroughgoing and consistent application of quantum theory shows that the connection between classical and quantum physics is very different from what can be found in standard textbooks. In the last two decades it has been shown that the elements of classical physics emerge through an irreversible quantum process called ‘decoherence’. According to decoherence theories, quantum objects acquire classical properties only through interactions with their natural environment as a consequence of the holistic features of quantum theory. In view of the interpretation problem of quantum theory, only two directions out of the host of proposals suggested in the course of time appear to remain consistent solutions. Whatever solution is preferred, the message of decoherence remains the same: classical notions are not needed as the starting point for physics. Instead, these emerge through the dynamical process of decoherence from the quantum substrate.

Oxford University Press eBooks•May 15, 2008•12 citations

Evolution of a quantum system during measurement and decoherence

Shahen Hacyan

Revista Mexicana de Física•Jan 1, 1999•2 citations
This study offers a comprehensive technical analysis of the mechanisms through which classical behavior emerges from the dynamics of quantum measurement. Beginning with unitary evolution and the principles of measurement, we construct the framework of environment-induced decoherence, the selection of pointer states, and the reduction of interference. Our examination focuses on how effective classicality emerges through reduced density matrices, quantum Darwinism, and consistent histories, highlighting the importance of system-environment interactions in determining stable observables. The review investigates into mathematical constructs such as spectral theory, completely positive maps, and quantum trajectories, linking them to experimental observations in mesoscopic systems, optomechanics, and superconducting circuits. We explore the constraints of decoherence in addressing the outcome problem and review interpretational models that tackle the remaining issues. The discussion emphasizes applications in quantum information, metrology, and tests of macroscopic superpositions. The article favors physical insights and mathematical guidance over exhaustive proofs, making it suitable for researchers in quantum foundations and quantum technologies.
Quantum decoherence is a physical process resulting from a system’s entanglement with an environment. This chapter examines the explanatory wealth of decoherence when brought to bear on foundational issues such as the question of why certain measurement bases seem to be preferred by nature – including the pointer basis of measuring apparatuses – the old familiar measurement problem, and the emergence of classicality. Decoherence satisfactorily explains the behavior of the ammonia molecule. Decoherence introduces no additional nonlinearity but “simply takes real, inevitable, interaction with external degrees of freedom to bear in the Hamiltonian”. The basis-specific nature of decoherence will allow for a satisfying explanation to one of quantum mechanics’ oldest mysteries: that of the pointer basis. The basis-specific nature of decoherence will allow for a satisfying explanation to one of quantum mechanics’ oldest mysteries: that of the pointer basis.
A thoroughgoing and consistent application of quantum theory shows that the connection between classical and quantum physics is very different from what can be found in standard textbooks. In the last two decades it has been shown that the elements of classical physics emerge through an irreversible quantum process called ‘decoherence’. According to decoherence theories, quantum objects acquire classical properties only through interactions with their natural environment as a consequence of the holistic features of quantum theory. In view of the interpretation problem of quantum theory, only two directions out of the host of proposals suggested in the course of time appear to remain consistent solutions. Whatever solution is preferred, the message of decoherence remains the same: classical notions are not needed as the starting point for physics. Instead, these emerge through the dynamical process of decoherence from the quantum substrate.