I started typing up a question on transitioning from quantum to classical random walks on the line, with the punchline being along the lines of:
Are there models of decoherence for the quantum walk such that we can tune the walk to spread as $\Theta(t^k)$ for any $1/2 \leq k \leq 1$?
The question is tangentially related to cstheory because classical random walks are useful in algorithm design, and quantum random walks have proven useful for making a number of cool algorithms. Thus, it is important to understand the difference between quantum and classical random walks. Sometimes, the easiest way to do this is to consider toy models, such as walks on the line.
Further, I think there are enough quantum folks at cstheory that I might get a very good answer.
On the other hand, the question is clearly physics-y and would be of little interest to non-quantum cstheory members. The question would be more at home at Theoretical Physics.SE but unfortunately the site has not made it to beta, yet. I could try physics.SE but a look the question list suggests that that site lost its research focus, and this is a research level question. Also, I check cstheory all the time and enjoy the community, so I prefer to ask questions here.
Should I try asking this question and removing it if the community doesn't approve? Or is this question so clearly off-topic that by asking it I would be setting a bad example?
EDIT:
After 3 proceed comments, I posted the question:
Transitioning from quantum to classical random walks on the line
If you think there is a way I can improve the question or make it clearer/better motivated please suggest it here or in the comments of the question.
