Generalized quantum measurement

Ting Yu, Ian C. Percival

Published 2001-04-09, updated 2002-04-25Version 2

We overcome one of Bell's objections to `quantum measurement' by generalizing the definition to include systems outside the laboratory. According to this definition a {\sl generalized quantum measurement} takes place when the value of a classical variable is influenced significantly by an earlier state of a quantum system. A generalized quantum measurement can then take place in equilibrium systems, provided the classical motion is chaotic. This paper deals with this classical aspect of quantum measurement, assuming that the Heisenberg cut between the quantum dynamics and the classical dynamics is made at a very small scale. For simplicity, a gas with collisions is modelled by an `Arnold gas'.