quantum state

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the condition in which a physical system exists, usually described by a wave function or a set of quantum numbers.

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quantum state British  

noun

1. physics a state of a system characterized by a set of quantum numbers and represented by an eigenfunction. The energy of each state is precise within the limits imposed by the uncertainty principle but may be changed by applying a field of force. States that have the same energy are called degenerate See also energy level

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quantum state Scientific  

1. A description in quantum mechanics of a physical system or part of a physical system. Different quantum states for a physical system show discrete differences in the value of the variables used to define the state. For example, the spin of an isolated electron can take on one of only two values; there are no other quantum states available for the electron and no intermediate values, since spin is quantized. The quantum state is sometimes described by a set of quantum numbers that pick out the appropriate values for describing the state.

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Etymology

Origin of quantum state

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Qubits are extremely fragile, and the slightest changes in the environment can disrupt their delicate quantum state.

From Barron's

When a material becomes superconducting, electrons instead form paired states known as Cooper pairs and enter a collective quantum state.

From Science Daily

As qubits exist in a delicate environment, error correction is needed to protect the information from noise that would cause qubits to lose their quantum state.

From MarketWatch

He also flagged the company’s “higher coherence times,” meaning that its quantum system can stay in its quantum state longer.

From MarketWatch

"Entangled" means the two photons share a single quantum state even when physically apart.

From Science Daily