What is difference between wave function and Eigenfunction?

A wave function is an object representing the quantum state of a system. An eigenfunction is a function with a definite observable value of some corresponding operator.

What happens when a wave function collapses?

In quantum mechanics, wave function collapse occurs when a wave function—initially in a superposition of several eigenstates—reduces to a single eigenstate due to interaction with the external world. Collapse is a black box for a thermodynamically irreversible interaction with a classical environment.

What is the difference between eigenvalue and eigenfunction?

is that eigenfunction is (mathematics) a function \phi such that, for a given linear operator d , d\phi=\lambda\phi for some scalar \lambda (called an eigenvalue) while eigenvalue is (linear algebra) the change in magnitude of a vector that does not change in direction under a given linear transformation; a scalar …

How does decoherence affect the density of a system?

As a consequence of decoherence this very quickly becomes (at least approximately) diagonal in the basis of preferred states (whether discrete or continuous). Thus, the master equation for the density operator for the system is essentially equivalent to an evolution equation for the probability distribution over the preferred states.

Can interference effects be suppressed by decoherence?

There are situations, however, in which interference effects are artificially or spontaneously suppressed. The theory of decoherence is precisely the study of (spontaneous) interactions between a system and its environment that lead to such suppression of interference.

What is decoherence in Environmental Science?

In fact, the term decoherence refers to two largely overlapping areas of research. The characteristic feature of the first (often called ‘environmental’ or ‘dynamical’ decoherence) is the study of concrete models of (spontaneous) interactions between a system and its environment that lead to suppression of interference effects.

What is the phase relation of interference waves?

The phase relation between the two components of the wave function, which is responsible for interference, is now well-defined only at the level of the larger system composed of electron and stray particles, and can produce interference only in a suitable experiment including the larger system.