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Comment on ‘‘Paradox in the classical treatment of the Stern–Gerlach experiment’’

Sardar Singh, N. K. Sharma

American Journal of PhysicsMar 1, 198412 citations

Concerning S. Singh and N. Sharma: ‘‘Comment on ‘Paradox in the classical treatment of the Stern–Gerlach experiment’ ’’

Preben Alstrøm

American Journal of PhysicsMar 1, 19844 citations

Some comments on the historical paper by H. Schmidt-Böcking “The Stern-Gerlach experiment re-examined by an experimenter” (EPN 50/3 pp. 15-19)

J. Vigué

Some comments on the historical paper by H. Schmidt-Bo ¨cking "The Stern-

Europhysics newsSep 1, 20191 citation

A simple, practical experiment to investigate atomic wavefunction reduction within a Stern–Gerlach magnet

Michael Devereux

Abstract For nearly one hundred years most quantum-mechanics texts have depicted a continuous, spin-direction superposition of the wavefunction of the silver atom traversing a Stern–Gerlach (S–G) magnet. But there are sound scientific arguments which deny that understanding. Schrodinger’s equation for that continuous wavefunction development cannot describe the transfer of energy from the magnetic field to that atom. Modern micro-fabrication techniques now make it possible to implement a simple, accessible experiment testing whether a spin superposition does continue in the magnet. Because the S–G experiment is the prototype for quantum measurement, that observation is crucial to implementing a realistic quantum theory of measurement.Abstract For nearly one hundred years most quantum-mechanics texts have depicted a continuous, spin-direction superposition of the wavefunction of the silver atom traversing a Stern–Gerlach (S–G) magnet. But there are sound scientific arguments which deny that understanding. Schrodinger’s equation for that continuous wavefunction development cannot describe the transfer of energy from the magnetic field to that atom. Modern micro-fabrication techniques now make it possible to implement a simple, accessible experiment testing whether a spin superposition does continue in the magnet. Because the S–G experiment is the prototype for quantum measurement, that observation is crucial to implementing a realistic quantum theory of measurement.

Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical PhysicsJun 19, 20240 citations

Reduction of the atomic wavefunction in the Stern–Gerlach magnetic field

Michael Devereux

Observation of two separated beam spots at a detection screen downstream of a Stern–Gerlach magnet does not, in fact, demonstrate that the wavefunction of a neutral spin one-half particle has remained in a spin superposition while traveling through that magnetic field. The wavefunction may have been reduced to just one spin-direction eigenfunction, as D. Bohm suggested, by immediate momentum and energy transfer with the magnet, rather than by subsequent, which-way determination at the screen. The same two beam spots at the detector screen will result. Einsteinian relativity, and the understanding of Schrödinger evolution applicability through a static potential, forbid continuation of a spin superposition through the Stern–Gerlach field. A calculation for single wavepacket development there conforms to observations from the Stern–Gerlach experiment. And several experiments corroborate immediate reduction to a single spin eigenfunction in the magnetic field. Additionally, Ramsey’s separated, oscillating fields observations, and related experiments, do not rebut this understanding.Observation of two separated beam spots at a detection screen downstream of a Stern–Gerlach magnet does not, in fact, demonstrate that the wavefunction of a neutral spin one-half particle has remained in a spin superposition while traveling through that magnetic field. The wavefunction may have been reduced to just one spin-direction eigenfunction, as D. Bohm suggested, by immediate momentum and energy transfer with the magnet, rather than by subsequent, which-way determination at the screen. The same two beam spots at the detector screen will result. Einsteinian relativity, and the understanding of Schrödinger evolution applicability through a static potential, forbid continuation of a spin superposition through the Stern–Gerlach field. A calculation for single wavepacket development there conforms to observations from the Stern–Gerlach experiment. And several experiments corroborate immediate reduction to a single spin eigenfunction in the magnetic field. Additionally, Ramsey’s separated, oscillating fields observations, and related experiments, do not rebut this understanding.

Canadian Journal of PhysicsJun 1, 201518 citations

Reply to "Testing the reality of the quantum state"

Matthew F. Pusey, Jonathan Barrett, Terry Rudolph

Nature PhysicsFeb 28, 20140 citations

Reply to Folman: “Commentary on ‘A simple, practical experiment to investigate atomic wavefunction reduction within a Stern-Gerlach magnet’ ”

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Reply to Folman: “Commentary on ‘A simple, practical experiment to investigate atomic wavefunction reduction within a Stern-Gerlach magnet’ ”

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