arXiv:quant-ph/0409206 · Physical Review A

Quantum mechanical description of Stern-Gerlach experiments

G. Potel, F. Barranco, Sara Cruz-Barrios, Joaquín Gómez-Camacho

Published May 27, 2005• 28 citations

Abstract

The motion of neutral particles with magnetic moments in an inhomogeneous magnetic field is described in a quantum mechanical framework. The validity of the semiclassical approximations which are generally used to describe these phenomena is discussed. Approximate expressions for the evolution operator are derived and compared to the exact calculations. Focusing and spin-flip phenomena are predicted. The reliability of Stern-Gerlach experiments to measure spin projections is assessed in this framework.

DOI: 10.1103/physreva.71.052106

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