arXiv subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M. Castagnino.
A generalized decoherence formalism that can be used both in open (using Environment Induced Decoherence-EID) and closed (using Self Induced Decoherence-SID) quantum systems is sketched
In this paper we adopt a global and non-entropic approach to the problem of the arrow of time, according to which the arrow of time is an intrinsic geometrical property of spacetime. Our main aim is to show the double role played by the energy-momentum tensor in the context of our approach. On the one hand, the energy-momentum tensor is the intermediate step that permits to turn the geometrical time-asymmetry of the universe into a local arrow of time manifested as a time-asymmetric energy flow. On the other hand, the energy-momentum tensor supplies the basis for deducing the time-asymmetry of quantum field theory, posed as an axiom in this theory.
We obtain the precise form of two Gamow functionals, representing the exponentially decaying part of a quantum resonance and its mirror image that grows exponentially, as a linear, positive and continuous functional on an algebra containing observables. These functionals do not admit normalization and, with an appropiate choice of the algebra, are time reversal of each other.
We present a formalism that represents pure states, mixtures and generalized states as functionals on an algebra containing the observables of the system. Along these states, there are other functionals that decay exponentially at all times and therefore can be used to describe resonance phenomena.
A quantum system with discrete and continuos evolution spectrum is studied. A final pointer basis is found, that can be defined in a presised mathematical way. This result is use to explain the quantum measurement in the system.
It is demonstrated that almost any S-matrix of quantum field theory in curved spaces posses an infinite set of complex poles (or branch cuts). These poles can be transformed into complex eigenvalues, the corresponding eigenvectors being Gamow vectors. All this formalism, which is heuristic in ordinary Hilbert space, becomes a rigorous one within the framework of a properly chosen rigged Hilbert space. Then complex eigenvalues produce damping or growing factors. It is known that the growth of entropy, decoherence, and the appearance of correlations, occur in the universe evolution, but only under a restricted set of initial conditions. It is proved that the damping factors allow to enlarge this set up to almost any initial conditions.