Transition between Incompatible Properties: A Dynamical Model for Quantum Measurement

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Abstract
We use an electronic four-level model, optically prepared in a coherent superposition of energy eigenstates, to discuss the dynamics of a measurement process leading to the preparation of pure energy eigenstates. The coupling strength to the environment (test laser) is found to control the speed at which information can be gained. An explicit detection strategy is given which can be evaluated as regards its average error probability. The model helps to clarify the conditions under which axiomatic measurement theory (i.e., the collapse of the wave function) applies; it also gives some clues on the recently revived discussion on "quantum jumps."

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