We argue that the non-adiabatic evolution of spin states in Stern-Gerlach apparatus can blur the manifestation of path spin entanglement. This fact introduces a contradiction to the usual perception of spin measurement even in a formally ideal situation. Through quantitative calculation, we have pointed out the specific reason behind the breakdown of adiabatic evolution to be the spatial inhomogeneity of applied magnetic field. The angle
θ between the
z component of magnetic moment of the particle and applied magnetic field is also a determining factor for the category of evolution of spin states. Adiabaticity always can be restored by choosing a sufficiently small value of
θ. Considering azimuthal inhomogeneity, we have examined the nature of path spin entanglement in the context of Stern-Gerlach experiment.
This article describes systems in which the precession of a single particle spin is magnetically coupled to the excitation of an oscillator. The behavior of such systems resembles that of a ‘‘folded’’ Stern–Gerlach experiment, in which the linear spatial trajectory of the original Stern–Gerlach experiment is folded into the cyclic trajectory of an oscillator. Both quantum and semiclassical solutions to the equations of motion are derived. The results encompass any kind of oscillator which couples to a magnetic field. Examples include mechanical cantilevers with a magnetic source affixed to them, as well as inductor-capacitor resonant circuits. One potential application of oscillator-coupled magnetic resonance is the imaging of biological molecules. Some design issues relevant to molecular imaging are discussed.
We calculate the effects of Larmor precession in the two-state SternGerlach experiment performed with silver atoms. We compare the time constants and Q factors for an oscillating magnetic-dipole moment in free space and in close proximity to an iron magnet. Numerical modelling suggests that the original SternGerlach experiment was too dissipative to have eliminated classical explanations. A recent experiment, also admitting a classical interpretation, is discussed briefly. A new experiment is proposed that should be able to confirm quantum mechanics unequivocally. PACS Nos.: 03.65Bz, 41.20Gz, 32.10Dk