Wednesday Colloquia

The evolution of a quantum wavefunction during measurement

by Dr. R. Vijayaraghavan (Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science, TIFR)

Wednesday, May 1, 2013 from to (Asia/Kolkata)
at Colaba Campus ( AG-66, Lecture Theatre )
Description
ABSTRACT: 
	The textbook picture of measurement in quantum mechanics describes an instantaneous process that transforms a quantum superposition into probabilistic classical outcomes. Since any realistic measurement protocol takes a finite amount of time, it is natural to ask: How does the quantum wavefunction evolve during the process of measurement? The theory of weak continuous measurement addresses this question by evolving the quantum wavefunction based on the partial information available as the measurement progresses. In this talk, I will describe experiments which use superconducting electrical circuits to implement real-time monitoring of the quantum wavefunction as it evolves during a measurement. I will also discuss the use of such techniques to quantum information processing protocols like quantum feedback control and quantum error correction. I will conclude by highlighting future directions and challenges.
Organised by Roop Mallik, NSF Colloquium Co-ordinator