dephasing
Definition
- Noun (Physics):
- Loss of phase coherence: "Dephasing" refers to the process by which a system of oscillating particles or waves loses its initial phase relationship over time, typically due to interactions with the environment. It is a key concept in quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics.
- Example context: In quantum computing, dephasing is a major source of decoherence that disrupts the superposition of qubits.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The dephasing of the electron spins occurred rapidly in the noisy environment. (The loss of phase coherence happened quickly.)
- Researchers studied the dephasing rate to improve the stability of quantum bits. (They examined how fast phase relationships decayed.)
Advanced Usage
"Dephasing time": The characteristic time scale over which phase coherence is lost.
- The dephasing time was measured to be 10 microseconds. (The duration before significant phase loss occurred.)
"Dephasing process": The specific mechanism causing phase decoherence.
- The dephasing process was attributed to random magnetic field fluctuations. (The cause of phase loss was identified.)
Variants and Related Words
Dephase (verb): To cause the loss of phase coherence.
- The external field dephased the quantum states. (The field disrupted the phase alignment.)
Dephaser (noun): A device or mechanism that induces dephasing.
- The experimental setup included a dephaser to simulate environmental noise. (A tool that intentionally causes phase loss.)
Synonyms
- Decoherence: A broader term for the loss of quantum coherence, which includes dephasing as one component.
- Phase randomization: The process of making phases random or uncorrelated.
Related Idioms
- : "Dephasing" is a technical term without idiomatic expressions.
Phrasal Verbs
- : "Dephasing" is not used with phrasal verbs in standard English.