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Can a phase transition make quantum mechanics less embarrassing?

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  • David Mermin, N.

Abstract

A homework problem is given in which a particle in a double well in contact with an infinite bath of two-level systems undergoes a phase transition from the familiar, non-degenerate, symmetric, non-local state of the isolated particle, to a pair of asymmetric states favoring one or the other of the wells, as the coupling to the bath increases or as the tunneling amplitude between the two wells decreases.

Suggested Citation

  • David Mermin, N., 1991. "Can a phase transition make quantum mechanics less embarrassing?," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 177(1), pages 561-566.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:177:y:1991:i:1:p:561-566
    DOI: 10.1016/0378-4371(91)90201-M
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