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Unitary models of single detector triggering and local position measurements

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Abstract

Recent work by Wan and McLean has shown that all quantum measurements may be reduced to local position measurements. Using an array of particle detectors as the measuring apparatus we show how a model employing superselection rules and unitary evolution leads to a single detector triggering in each act of measurement. We also present an explicit model of particle detection as a unitary ionization process producing a single ion in the detector, subsequent amplification of which to the visible can be described adequately in classical terms.

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Wan, K.K., Harrison, F.E. Unitary models of single detector triggering and local position measurements. Found Phys 24, 831–853 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02067650

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