English Explanatory Dictionary

decoherence

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Loss of quantum coherence (phase relation between the quantum states of particles) in a physical system as it interacts with its environment.
  2. The normal condition of sensitiveness in a coherer; reversion to such condition.

Pronunciation

/diːkəʊˈhɪəɹəns/

Word forms

decoherence decoherences

Etymology

First attested 1902 (OED) in the electrical engineering sense "the resetting of a coherer." From decohere (also 1902) + -ence, representing the verbal noun (compare decohesion, decoherency). The quantum mechanics concept was introduced in 1970 by German physicist H. Dieter Zeh, writing in the journal Foundations of Physics.

Synonyms

decoherency quantum decoherence

Related words

coherence decoherent dephasing einselection quantum entanglement quantum interference

Derived words

decoherence time predecoherence
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