The Effects of Related Experiments

Luiz Carlos Ryff

Three experiments are discussed in which nonlocal effects can be induced by changing the relative amplitudes of wave packets. Unlike previous experiments, in which nonlocal effects were induced by means of polarizers or phase shifters, in the proposed experiments nonlocal effects can be induced by means of variable beam splitters.

Jerry B. Marion, J. L. Fowler

Helmut Rauch, Samuel A. Werner

Abstract The fundamental dual nature of neutrons –sometimes a particle (when detected) and sometimes a wave (when traversing the interferometer) – is wonderfully mani-fested by the non-local nature of the neutron interferometry experiments discussed in this chapter. We begin with a discussion of the series of experiments, called gravitationally induced quantum interference, in Section 7.1. Then in Section 7.2, the effect of the Earth’s rotation on the phase of a neutron de Broglie wave is described. This is the quantum mechanical analogue of the Michelson et al. (1925) experiment with light. An experiment in which this Sagnac phase shift was observed due to rotation of the interferometer on a turntable phase within the laboratory frame is also discussed (Atwood et al. 1984). An experiment related to the small effective mass of the neutron propagating in a crystal under Bragg reflecting conditions and its deflection due to the Coriolis force is discussed in Section 7.2.3 (Raum et al. 1997). Acceleration-induced interference, which is related to the gravity experiments by the principle of equivalence, is discussed in Section 7.3 (Bonse and Wroblewski 1983). Phase shifts caused by the motion of matter within the interferometer are related to the optical Fizeau effect. Several neutron Fizeau-type experiments are discussed in Section 7.4.

Hansjorg Scherer, Benedetta Camarota

Quantum metrology triangle experiments combine three quantum electrical effects (the Josephson effect, the quantum Hall effect and the single-electron transport effect) used in metrology. These experiments allow important fundamental consistency tests on the validity of commonly assumed relations between fundamental constants of nature and the quantum electrical effects. This paper reviews the history, results and the present status and perspectives of quantum metrology triangle experiments. It also reflects on the possible implications of results for the knowledge on fundamental constants and the quantum electrical effects. In terms of relative standard uncertainty, the best result currently achieved is nine parts in 10 7 , while the goal is to reduce the uncertainty down to below five parts in 10 7 in order to provide an impact on the adjustment of the physical constants’ values.

Gregor Weihs