The measurement process is taken into account in the dynamics of trapped ions prepared in nonclassical motional states. The induced decoherence is shown to manifest itself both in the inhibition of the internal population dynamics and in a damping of the vibrational motion without classical counterpart. Quantitative comparison with present experimental capabilities is discussed, leading to a proposal for the verification of the predicted effects.

• Received 13 January 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.55.R3291