Decoherence, time scales and pointer states

Certain issues regarding the time-scales over which environment-induced decoherence occurs, and the nature of emergent pointer states, are discussed. A model system, namely a Stern–Gerlach setup coupled to a quantum mechanical “heat-bath” is studied. The emergent pointer states for this system are obtained, which are different from those discussed in the literature. It is pointed out that this difference is due to some confusion regarding the decoherence time-scale, which is clarified here.