Exponential Decay and Fermi's Golden Rule from an Uncontrolled Quantum Zeno Effect

We modify the theory of the Quantum Zeno Effect to make it consistent with the postulates of quantum mechanics. This modification allows one, throughout a sequence of observations of an excited system, to address the nature of the observable and thereby to distinguish survival from non-decay, which is necessary whenever excited states are degenerate. As a consequence, one can determine which types of measurements can possibly inhibit the exponential decay of the system. We find that continuous monitoring taken as the limit of a sequence of ideal measurements will only inhibit decay in special cases, such as in well-controlled experiments. Uncontrolled monitoring of an unstable system, however, can cause exponentially decreasing non-decay probability at all times. Furthermore, calculating the decay rate for a general sequence of observations leads to a straightforward derivation of Fermi's Golden Rule, that avoids many of the conceptual difficulties normally encountered. When multiple decay channels are available, the derivation reveals how the total decay rate naturally partitions into a sum of the decay rates for the various channels, in agreement with observations. Continuous and unavoidable monitoring of an excited system by an uncontrolled environment may therefore be a mechanism by which to explain the exponential decay law.Comment: 18 pages, no figures. Added references to theory and experiments, distinguished survival from non-decay, and added derivation for multiple decay channel

Dilemma elimination for achieving compliance

Drama theory provides a means of modelling pre-play communication: that is the exchanges which take place between parties as they collectively shape the confrontational arena within which they must eventually take decisive action. Participants communicate objects called ‘positions’ and ‘intentions’ and share their ‘doubts’ about each others’ declarations. On the basis of this ‘communicated common knowledge’ those involved, seeking to act rationally, normally experience dilemmas. These prompt them to devise frame-breaking changes that alter the form of the interaction, perhaps placing additional pressure upon some parties whilst relieving that experienced by others. At some point these changes cease and the participants play their actions, possibly using game theory to inform their individual strategies. Within this context, this paper explores the process of dilemma elimination, specifically seeing whether there may be favourable sequences that could be adopted: these would show a commander the most beneficial route for advantageously resolving confrontations with other parties. Such sequences would both reduce or eliminate the commander’s own dilemmas, whilst aggravating or otherwise engineering those facing other parties so as to render them more compliant. The paper uses a new version of drama theory (DT2) that offers a simpler but no less powerful formulation of the dilemmas which has as yet not been widely applied in any field

Sustaining a focus on occupation in community mental health practice

Occupational therapists working in community mental health teams (CMHTs) are often challenged to justify their unique approach to health through occupation, within an environment that tends to press for generic working. Such a challenge requires practitioners to identify and communicate evidence that supports their unique occupational contribution. In the absence of extensive robust and relevant research evidence, it is suggested that the contribution of theoretical evidence be considered. This paper, therefore, explores the potential of occupational justice and its related concepts to provide the profession with a theoretical justification for occupational therapists adopting an occupation-focused role in CMHTs. It begins with an overview of how CMHTs, generic working and occupational science have evolved. The concept of occupational justice and its related risk factors are then analysed in relation to practice. The potential conflict between the professional commitment to client-centred practice and the generic worker model is also discussed. The paper concludes with recommendations for further exploration and consideration