Evolution of an Atom Impeded by Measurement: The Quantum Zeno Effect


Abstract in English

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.

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