Weak Values Influenced by Environment

Abstract

A weak value of an observable is studied for a quantum system which is placed under the influence of an environment, where a quantum system irreversibly evolves from a pre-selected state to a post-selected state. A general expression for a weak value influenced by an environment is provided. For a Markovian environment, the weak value is calculated in terms of the predictive and retrodictive density matrices, or by means of the quantum regression theorem. For a non - Markovian environment, a weak value is examined by making use of exactly solvable models. It is found that although the anomalous property is significantly suppresse d by a Markovian environment, it can survive a non-Markovian environment.