Evolution of an Atom Impeded by Measurement: The Quantum Zeno Effect
arXiv:quant-ph/0108040 · doi:10.1515/zna-2001-0125
Abstract
A quantum system being observed evolves more slowly. This `'quantum Zeno effect'' is reviewed with respect to a previous attempt of demonstration, and to subsequent criticism of the significance of the findings. A recent experiment on an {\it individual} cold trapped ion has been capable of revealing the micro-state of this quantum system, such that the effect of measurement is indeed discriminated from dephasing of the quantum state by either the meter or the environment.
6 pages, 5 figures. Presented at the 3rd Workshop on Mysteries, Puzzles and Paradoxes in Quantum Mechanics, Gargagno, Italy, September 17-23, 2000