Interference of Mesoscopic Particles: Quantum–Classical Transition

Abstract

We analyze the double slit interference of a mesoscopic particle. We calculate the visibility of the interference pattern, introduce a characteristic temperature that defines the onset to decoherence and scrutinize the conditions that must be satisfied for an interference experiment to be possible.

Decoherence and Matter Wave Interferometry

“…However, though their results illustrate the effect of decoherence on the interference pattern, their use of plane waves to describe the state of the interfering molecules seems a little unrealistic as it is obvious that large molecules would be better described by localized wave-packets. Recently, decoherence effects on two-slit diffraction has also been theoretically analyzed by treating the effect of the environment using certain phenomenological models [16,17]. However, a fully quantum mechanical analysis, using a microscopic model of the environment has not yet addressed this issue.…”

“…Recently, decoherence effects on two-slit diffraction has also been theoretically analyzed by treating the effect of the environment using certain phenomenological models [16,17]. However, a fully quantum mechanical analysis, using a microscopic model of the environment has not yet addressed this issue.…”