Feynman’s Entropy and Decoherence Mechanism

If we reduce coherence in a given quantum system, the result is an increase in entropy. Does this necessarily convert this quantum system into a classical system? The answer to this question is No. The decrease of coherence means more uncertainty. This does not seem to make the system closer to classical system where there are no uncertainties. We examine the problem using two coupled harmonic oscillators where we make observations on one of them while the other oscillator is assumed to be unobservable or to be in Feynman’s rest of the universe. Our ignorance about the rest of the universe causes an increase in entropy. However, does the system act like a classical system? The answer is again No. When and how does this system appear like a classical system? It is shown that this paradox can be resolved only if measurements are taken along the normal coordinates. It is also shown that Feynman’s parton picture is one concrete physical example of this decoherence mechanism. Typeset using REVTEX ∗electronic address: [email protected]