Properties of a quantum system during the time interval between two measurements

Yakir Aharonov*, Lev Vaidman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

592 Scopus citations

Abstract

A description of quantum systems at the time interval between two successive measurements is presented. Two wave functions, the first preselected by the initial measurement and the second postselected by the final measurement, describe quantum systems at a single time. It is shown how this approach leads to a new concept: a weak value of an observable. Weak values represent novel characteristics of quantum systems between two measurements. They are outcomes of a standard measurement procedure that fulfills certain requirements of weakness. We call it weak measurement. Physical meaning, underlying mathematical structure, and prospects of practical usage of weak measurements are explored.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)11-20
Number of pages10
JournalPhysical Review A
Volume41
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1990

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Properties of a quantum system during the time interval between two measurements'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this