Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

European Journal of Physics

Heisenberg uncertainty principle: an advanced undergraduate laboratory experiment based on quantum quadrature operators

Yu Chen, Zhaoyang Liu, Xin Chen, Shuqi Liu, Jiatong Jiang, Yuan Wu, Jinxian Guo, Liang Chen

Published Jan 19, 2023• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract The Heisenberg uncertainty principle (HUP) plays an important role in quantum mechanics. It is necessary to demonstrate this principle experimentally for undergraduates to understand HUP clearly. In this paper, we originally employ the quantum quadrature operators to demonstrate HUP in undergraduate laboratories. Starting from the quantization of electromagnetic field, we briefly review the definition of quadrature operators and demonstrate HUP via the variances of quadrature operators. And the scheme of HUP demonstration with homodyne detection is introduced. More importantly, we develop a tabletop experimental apparatus for the demonstration of HUP in undergraduate laboratories. Our proposal focuses on the basic quantum mechanics concepts, experimental principles, and instruction as well as experimental techniques. It provides a way to help undergraduates, especially the ones who will go on graduate study in quantum technology in the future, make connections between abstract quantum mechanics concepts and concrete experiments, which makes the concepts better understood.

DOI
10.1088/1361-6404/acb4c6

Related papers

Recognition of the Physical Significance of Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle

Hongbin Huang, Yihua Wang

Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle (HUP) is a central concept in quantum mechanics that reveals inherent limitations in the measurement of microscopic particles and profoundly affects the understanding of the physical world. This paper reviews the physical significance of HUP and its applications and research progress in modern physics. The complexity of measurements in quantum systems is revealed by deriving the uncertainty relation and analysing the wavefunction collapse and the classicalisation of quantum states. This paper summarises the current experimental verification of the principle of measurement uncertainty in different quantum systems and discusses the research progress in improving measurement accuracy through quantum entanglement. Recent studies have shown that controlling quantum entangled states can effectively reduce measurement disturbances and thus improve the measurement accuracy of quantum systems without violating the principle of mismeasurement. Despite the many advances made, there are still challenges to further improve the measurement accuracy in complex quantum systems. Future research will continue to explore the potential for applications in this area.

Science and Technology of Engineering Chemistry and Environmental Protection•Dec 31, 2024•0 citations

Recognition of the Physical Significance of Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle

Hongbin Huang, Yihua Wang

Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle (HUP) is a central concept in quantum mechanics that reveals inherent limitations in the measurement of microscopic particles and profoundly affects the understanding of the physical world. This paper reviews the physical significance of HUP and its applications and research progress in modern physics. The complexity of measurements in quantum systems is revealed by deriving the uncertainty relation and analysing the wavefunction collapse and the classicalisation of quantum states. This paper summarises the current experimental verification of the principle of measurement uncertainty in different quantum systems and discusses the research progress in improving measurement accuracy through quantum entanglement. Recent studies have shown that controlling quantum entangled states can effectively reduce measurement disturbances and thus improve the measurement accuracy of quantum systems without violating the principle of mismeasurement. Despite the many advances made, there are still challenges to further improve the measurement accuracy in complex quantum systems. Future research will continue to explore the potential for applications in this area.

Science and Technology of Engineering Chemistry and Environmental Protection•Jun 26, 2025•0 citations

Recognition of the Physical Significance of Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle.

Hongbin Huang, Yihua Wang

Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle (HUP) is a central concept in quantum mechanics that reveals inherent limitations in the measurement of microscopic particles and profoundly affects the understanding of the physical world. This paper reviews the physical significance of HUP and its applications and research progress in modern physics. The complexity of measurements in quantum systems is revealed by deriving the uncertainty relation and analysing the wavefunction collapse and the classicalisation of quantum states. This paper summarises the current experimental verification of the principle of measurement uncertainty in different quantum systems and discusses the research progress in improving measurement accuracy through quantum entanglement. Recent studies have shown that controlling quantum entangled states can effectively reduce measurement disturbances and thus improve the measurement accuracy of quantum systems without violating the principle of mismeasurement. Despite the many advances made, there are still challenges to further improve the measurement accuracy in complex quantum systems. Future research will continue to explore the potential for applications in this area.

Science and Technology of Engineering Chemistry and Environmental Protection•Dec 25, 2024•0 citations

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem

Pierre A. Millette

The derivation of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) from the Uncertainty Theorem of Fourier Transform theory demonstrates that the HUP arises from the dependency of momentum on wave number that exists at the quantum level. It also establishes that the HUP is purely a relationship between the effective widths of Fourier transform pairs of variables (i.e. conjugate variables). We note that the HUP is not a quantum mechanical measurement principle per se. We introduce the Quantum Mechanical equivalent of the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem of Fourier Transform theory, and show that it is a better principle to describe the measurement limitations of Quantum Mechanics. We show that Brillouin zones in Solid State physics are a manifestation of the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem at the quantum level. By comparison with other fields where Fourier Transform theory is used, we propose that we need to discern between measurement limitations and inherent limitations when interpreting the impact of the HUP on the nature of the quantum level. We further propose that while measurement limitations result in our perception of indeterminism at the quantum level, there is no evidence that there are any inherent limitations at the quantum level, based on the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem.

arXiv:1108.3135•Progress in physics•Aug 16, 2011•10 citations

Complexity Considerations in the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

Logan Nye

This work introduces a modification to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) by incorporating quantum complexity, including potential nonlinear effects. Our theoretical framework extends the traditional HUP to consider the complexity of quantum states, offering a more nuanced understanding of measurement precision. By adding a complexity term to the uncertainty relation, we explore nonlinear modifications such as polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Rigorous mathematical derivations demonstrate the consistency of the modified principle with classical quantum mechanics and quantum information theory. We investigate the implications of this modified HUP for various aspects of quantum mechanics, including quantum metrology, quantum algorithms, quantum error correction, and quantum chaos. Additionally, we propose experimental protocols to test the validity of the modified HUP, evaluating their feasibility with current and near-term quantum technologies. This work highlights the importance of quantum complexity in quantum mechanics and provides a refined perspective on the interplay between complexity, entanglement, and uncertainty in quantum systems. The modified HUP has the potential to stimulate interdisciplinary research at the intersection of quantum physics, information theory, and complexity theory, with significant implications for the development of quantum technologies and the understanding of the quantum-to-classical transition.

Journal of High Energy Physics Gravitation and Cosmology•Jan 1, 2024•4 citations

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem

Pierre A. Millette

The derivation of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) from the Uncertainty Theorem of Fourier Transform theory demonstrates that the HUP arises from the dependency of momentum on a wave number that exists at the quantum level. It also establishes that the HUP is purely a relationship between the effective widths of Fourier transform pairs of variables (i.e. conjugate variables). We note that the HUP is not a quantum mechanical measurement principle per se. We introduce the Quantum Mechanical equivalent of the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem of Fourier Transform theory, and show that it is a better principle to describe the measurement limitations of Quantum Mechanics. We show that Brillouin zones in Solid State Physics are a manifestation of the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem at the quantum level. By comparison with other fields where Fourier Transform theory is used, we propose that we need todiscern between measurement limitations and inherent limitations when interpreting the impact of the HUP on the nature of the quantum level. We further propose that while measurement limitations result in our perception of indeterminism at the quantum level, there is no evidence that there are any inherent limitations at the quantum level, based on the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem

•Jul 1, 2013•0 citations
Abstract The Heisenberg uncertainty principle (HUP) plays an important role in quantum mechanics. It is necessary to demonstrate this principle experimentally for undergraduates to understand HUP clearly. In this paper, we originally employ the quantum quadrature operators to demonstrate HUP in undergraduate laboratories. Starting from the quantization of electromagnetic field, we briefly review the definition of quadrature operators and demonstrate HUP via the variances of quadrature operators. And the scheme of HUP demonstration with homodyne detection is introduced. More importantly, we develop a tabletop experimental apparatus for the demonstration of HUP in undergraduate laboratories. Our proposal focuses on the basic quantum mechanics concepts, experimental principles, and instruction as well as experimental techniques. It provides a way to help undergraduates, especially the ones who will go on graduate study in quantum technology in the future, make connections between abstract quantum mechanics concepts and concrete experiments, which makes the concepts better understood.
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle (HUP) is a central concept in quantum mechanics that reveals inherent limitations in the measurement of microscopic particles and profoundly affects the understanding of the physical world. This paper reviews the physical significance of HUP and its applications and research progress in modern physics. The complexity of measurements in quantum systems is revealed by deriving the uncertainty relation and analysing the wavefunction collapse and the classicalisation of quantum states. This paper summarises the current experimental verification of the principle of measurement uncertainty in different quantum systems and discusses the research progress in improving measurement accuracy through quantum entanglement. Recent studies have shown that controlling quantum entangled states can effectively reduce measurement disturbances and thus improve the measurement accuracy of quantum systems without violating the principle of mismeasurement. Despite the many advances made, there are still challenges to further improve the measurement accuracy in complex quantum systems. Future research will continue to explore the potential for applications in this area.
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle (HUP) is a central concept in quantum mechanics that reveals inherent limitations in the measurement of microscopic particles and profoundly affects the understanding of the physical world. This paper reviews the physical significance of HUP and its applications and research progress in modern physics. The complexity of measurements in quantum systems is revealed by deriving the uncertainty relation and analysing the wavefunction collapse and the classicalisation of quantum states. This paper summarises the current experimental verification of the principle of measurement uncertainty in different quantum systems and discusses the research progress in improving measurement accuracy through quantum entanglement. Recent studies have shown that controlling quantum entangled states can effectively reduce measurement disturbances and thus improve the measurement accuracy of quantum systems without violating the principle of mismeasurement. Despite the many advances made, there are still challenges to further improve the measurement accuracy in complex quantum systems. Future research will continue to explore the potential for applications in this area.
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle (HUP) is a central concept in quantum mechanics that reveals inherent limitations in the measurement of microscopic particles and profoundly affects the understanding of the physical world. This paper reviews the physical significance of HUP and its applications and research progress in modern physics. The complexity of measurements in quantum systems is revealed by deriving the uncertainty relation and analysing the wavefunction collapse and the classicalisation of quantum states. This paper summarises the current experimental verification of the principle of measurement uncertainty in different quantum systems and discusses the research progress in improving measurement accuracy through quantum entanglement. Recent studies have shown that controlling quantum entangled states can effectively reduce measurement disturbances and thus improve the measurement accuracy of quantum systems without violating the principle of mismeasurement. Despite the many advances made, there are still challenges to further improve the measurement accuracy in complex quantum systems. Future research will continue to explore the potential for applications in this area.
The derivation of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) from the Uncertainty Theorem of Fourier Transform theory demonstrates that the HUP arises from the dependency of momentum on wave number that exists at the quantum level. It also establishes that the HUP is purely a relationship between the effective widths of Fourier transform pairs of variables (i.e. conjugate variables). We note that the HUP is not a quantum mechanical measurement principle per se. We introduce the Quantum Mechanical equivalent of the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem of Fourier Transform theory, and show that it is a better principle to describe the measurement limitations of Quantum Mechanics. We show that Brillouin zones in Solid State physics are a manifestation of the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem at the quantum level. By comparison with other fields where Fourier Transform theory is used, we propose that we need to discern between measurement limitations and inherent limitations when interpreting the impact of the HUP on the nature of the quantum level. We further propose that while measurement limitations result in our perception of indeterminism at the quantum level, there is no evidence that there are any inherent limitations at the quantum level, based on the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem.
This work introduces a modification to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) by incorporating quantum complexity, including potential nonlinear effects. Our theoretical framework extends the traditional HUP to consider the complexity of quantum states, offering a more nuanced understanding of measurement precision. By adding a complexity term to the uncertainty relation, we explore nonlinear modifications such as polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Rigorous mathematical derivations demonstrate the consistency of the modified principle with classical quantum mechanics and quantum information theory. We investigate the implications of this modified HUP for various aspects of quantum mechanics, including quantum metrology, quantum algorithms, quantum error correction, and quantum chaos. Additionally, we propose experimental protocols to test the validity of the modified HUP, evaluating their feasibility with current and near-term quantum technologies. This work highlights the importance of quantum complexity in quantum mechanics and provides a refined perspective on the interplay between complexity, entanglement, and uncertainty in quantum systems. The modified HUP has the potential to stimulate interdisciplinary research at the intersection of quantum physics, information theory, and complexity theory, with significant implications for the development of quantum technologies and the understanding of the quantum-to-classical transition.
The derivation of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) from the Uncertainty Theorem of Fourier Transform theory demonstrates that the HUP arises from the dependency of momentum on a wave number that exists at the quantum level. It also establishes that the HUP is purely a relationship between the effective widths of Fourier transform pairs of variables (i.e. conjugate variables). We note that the HUP is not a quantum mechanical measurement principle per se. We introduce the Quantum Mechanical equivalent of the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem of Fourier Transform theory, and show that it is a better principle to describe the measurement limitations of Quantum Mechanics. We show that Brillouin zones in Solid State Physics are a manifestation of the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem at the quantum level. By comparison with other fields where Fourier Transform theory is used, we propose that we need todiscern between measurement limitations and inherent limitations when interpreting the impact of the HUP on the nature of the quantum level. We further propose that while measurement limitations result in our perception of indeterminism at the quantum level, there is no evidence that there are any inherent limitations at the quantum level, based on the Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem