Dekoheriensifunktsioonid

Dekoheriensifunktsioonid, known in English as decoherence functions, are a concept in quantum mechanics used to describe the loss of quantum coherence in a system. Quantum coherence refers to the ability of a quantum system to exist in a superposition of multiple states simultaneously. Decoherence is the process by which this superposition collapses into a single classical state due to interaction with the environment.

Decoherence functions are mathematical tools that quantify this process. They essentially measure how the entanglement between a quantum system and its environment grows over time. As this entanglement increases, the quantum system appears to behave more classically, losing its peculiar quantum properties like superposition and entanglement with other quantum systems. This is a crucial aspect for understanding the transition from the quantum world to the classical world we observe.

The interaction with the environment can take many forms, such as collisions with air molecules, absorption of photons, or gravitational influences. These interactions effectively "measure" the quantum system, forcing it to adopt a definite state. Decoherence functions help predict the rate at which this happens for different systems and environments. Understanding decoherence is vital for developing technologies like quantum computing, where maintaining quantum coherence is essential for computation, and for understanding fundamental questions about quantum measurement.