Relaxation process, decoherence theory

Spin relaxation phenomena are usually described by the semiclassical theory developed by Wangsness, Bloch and Redfield and known as the WBR theory or Redfield theory. The semiclassical nature of the theory implies that the spin system is treated quantum mechanically, while the remaining degrees of freedom (such as molecular rotations) are treated classically. Few years ago, Segnorile and Zamar studied the issue of quantum decoherence (loss of system phase memory) in proton NMR of nematic liquid crystals. The spin dynamics - and the decay of the free induction decay - was found to be governed by several different processes, partly of purely quantum nature. During the period under the present review, the same group reported a related work concerned with the Jeener-Broekaert experiment on liquid crystals. ... 

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