quantum state

noun

Physics.

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

quantum state

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

quantum state

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of quantum state¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The faster the gate speed, the more computations can be performed before qubits fall out of their quantum state in a process called decoherence.

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For example, the quantum state of a particle provides the probability of it being found at different locations.

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The goal is to determine the whole quantum state, but the particle is only found at one location when a measurement is performed.

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In fact, an idea like the participatory universe that accounts for the role of the observer in determining something’s quantum state could help explain some mathematical conundrums that have appeared in quantum physics, Linde said.

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"Fast quantum state preparation might be useful for a wide range of applications, such as quantum simulation or even quantum error correction," notes Bond.

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