statesclassically

Statesclassically is a term used informally to describe approaches or descriptions of a system’s state that rely on classical, rather than quantum, concepts. It is not a formal term with a widely accepted definition in mainstream literature, but appears in discussions that emphasize contrasting classical state descriptions with quantum states or probabilistic descriptions.

In practice, using a statesclassically perspective means modeling or analyzing a system with classical state variables and equations of motion. Examples include describing a particle by its position and momentum with Newtonian or Hamiltonian dynamics, or using classical state estimation techniques such as Kalman filtering, which operate on definite state variables rather than quantum amplitudes.

The phrase is often contrasted with quantum-state concepts, such as wavefunctions, density operators, and nonclassical phenomena like superposition and entanglement. In quantum optics, discussions about classical-looking states (for instance, coherent states) highlight the boundary between genuinely quantum behavior and classical descriptions, a distinction that a statesclassically framing would tend to favor.

Because statesclassically is not a standard term, its meaning can vary by context. Readers should look for clarifying definitions within a given text, especially when the surrounding discussion involves quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, or hybrid classical-quantum modeling.

See also: classical mechanics, quantum state, state estimation, Kalman filter, phase space, Liouville equation.