Abstract
This paper deals with macroscopic quantum coherence while using only basic quantum mechanics. A square double well is used to illustrate Leggett-Caldeira oscillations. The effect of thermal radiation on two-level systems is discussed. The concept of decoherence is introduced at an elementary level. Reference values are deduced for the energy, temperature and time scales involved in macroscopic quantum coherence.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 393-414 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | European Journal of Physics |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 2013 |
| Externally published | Yes |