Published November 1, 2009 | Version v1
Journal article

Localization and loss of coherence in molecular double slit experiments

  • 1. Institut fuer Chemie und Biochemie - Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Takustr. 3, D-14195 Berlin (Germany)
  • 2. Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, D-14195 Berlin (Germany)

Description

In their famous paper Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen questioned 1935 the completeness of quantum mechanics concerning a local realistic description of our reality. They argued on the basis of superpositions of position and momentum states against the inherent non-locality and loss of information on prior conditions by quantum mechanics. This pioneering proposal was, however, too vague to be implemented in any experimental proof. Consequently, angular momentum related variables such as the polarization of light became the working horse of all experiments proving the EPR predictions. However, the spin and its related polarization properties are abstract quantities compared to position and momentum. Here we present the first evidence that non-locality and loss of prior quantum state information occurs also for position in ordinary space. This shows that the tunnelling effect and entanglement are inherently correlated.

Availability note (English)

Available from http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/194/2/022003

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Journal of Physics. Conference Series (Online)
Journal Volume
194
Journal Issue
2
Journal Page Range
[1 p.]
ISSN
1742-6596

Conference

Title
26. international conference on photonic, electronic and atomic collisions
Dates
22-28 Jul 2009
Place
Kalamazoo, MI (United States)

INIS

Country of Publication
United Kingdom
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
42062068
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS; S74: ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS;
Resource subtype / Literary indicator
Conference
Descriptors DEI
ANGULAR MOMENTUM; ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE; FORECASTING; LOCALITY; LOSSES; POLARIZATION; QUANTUM ENTANGLEMENT; QUANTUM MECHANICS; SPIN; TUNNEL EFFECT; VISIBLE RADIATION
Descriptors DEC
ANGULAR MOMENTUM; ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION; MAGNETIC RESONANCE; MECHANICS; PARTICLE PROPERTIES; RADIATIONS; RESONANCE