quantum simulation of schrödingers cat using the lindblad master equation.
simulates a radioactive atom coupled to a cats fate. the atom decays with a configurable half-life and when it decays, the cat dies. decoherence destroys quantum superposition over time.
- basis states: |N,A⟩ (not decayed, alive), |N,X⟩ (not decayed, dead), |D,A⟩ (decayed, alive), |D,X⟩ (decayed, dead)
- L1: decay jump operator (atom decay kills cat)
- L2: dephasing operator (environment destroys coherence)
uses strang splitting for second-order accuracy and exact exponential decay for numerical stability.
# single run (50/50 with defaults)
cargo run --release
# continuous mode
cargo run --release -- -c
# custom parameters
cargo run --release -- --half-life 2.0 --time 1.0 --decoherence 50.0
# quiet mode (no evolution display, fast)
cargo run --release -- -c -q| flag | description | default |
|---|---|---|
-c, --continuous |
loop forever | off |
-q, --quiet |
hide evolution display | off |
--half-life |
decay half-life | 1.0 |
--time |
observation time before measurement | 1.0 |
--decoherence |
κ multiplier (κ = multiplier × γ) | 100.0 |
at --time equal to --half-life, you get the classic 50/50 alive/dead outcome. longer observation times favor dead outcomes (more time for decay).