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:The moment (on the time scale) of a transition is uncertain (Poissonian statistics for a single atom/ion). Nevertheless the time for a transition (jump) is always shorter then statistical period of jumping cycle (interval between jumps) - obtained from [[density matrix]] ("superposition"). You can see (experimental - not speculation) it in wiki reference[http://www.mpq.mpg.de/Theorygroup/CIRAC/wiki/images/8/86/Samuel.pdf] (page 3). The probability for given state is very close to 1 between jumps. It is similar as the radioactive decay. A given (long-living radioactive) nucleus is in an excited state (with probability about 1) until its decay (unpredictable when but statistically predictable from this matrix element). But it does not mean that nucleus is decaying - e.g. millions years - and that we can not say (at any time) which (chemical) element it is (In reality, decay/transition itself is very fast - "few nanoseconds or less"). [[Special:Contributions/195.113.87.138|195.113.87.138]] ([[User talk:195.113.87.138|talk]]) 13:09, 2 October 2012 (UTC)
== Quantum leap ==
As far as I know this phrase is slightlt more specific than "big increase". The phrase is more synonymous with "[[paradigm shift]]", and presumably has arisen because quantum mechanics is one of the most important discoveries in science, and the word "leap" is in some senses similar to "advance" (eg, "a giant leap for mankind"). Hence, probably, some layman heard this phrase and assumed it meant "the advance in physics associated with quantum theory" and it stuck. Not that I'm an etymologist or a lexicographer or anything.
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