Decoherence and the retrieval of lost information
Yin Ye, Yunshan Cao, Xinqi Li, S. A. Gurvitz · Physical Review B · 2011
We show that, contrary to common prejudice, a measurement of an open quantum system can reduce its decoherence rate. We demonstrate this in an example of indirect measurement of a qubit, where information regarding its state is hidden in the environment. This information is extracted by a distant device, coupled with the environment only. We also show that the reduction of decoherence generated by this device is accompanied by diminution of the environmental noise in the vicinity of the qubit. An interpretation of these results in terms of quantum interference on large scales is presented.