Simple computer model for the quantum Zeno effect - art. no. 022109

This paper presents a simple model for repeated measurement of a quantum sy stem: the evolution of a free particle, simulated by discretizing the parti cle's position. This model is easily simulated by computer and provides a u seful arena to investigate the effects of measurement upon dynamics, in par ticular the slowing of evolution due to measurement (the quantum Zeno effec t). The results of this simulation are discussed for two rather different s orts of measurement process, both of which are (simplified forms of) measur ements used in previous simulations of position measurement. A number of in teresting results due to measurement are found, and the investigation casts some light on previous disagreements about the presence or absence of the Zeno effect.