Models of Hidden Purity

Abstract

I extend, apply, and generalize a model of a quantum radiator proposed by Griffiths to construct models of radiation fields that exhibit high entropy for long periods of time but approach pure states asymptotically. The models, which are fully consistent with the basic principles of quantum theory, provide coarse-grained models of both realistic physical systems and exotic space-times including black and white holes and baby and prodigal universes. Their analysis suggests experimental probes of some basic but subtle implications of quantum theory including interference between a particle and its own past, influence of quantum statistical entanglement on entropy flow, and residual entanglement connecting distant radiation with a degenerate source.