In such experiments we really detect the trajectory of a localized wave function. In quantum mechanics the concepts of "wave function" and "particle" are different concepts, but careless writers sometimes do not care to clearly distinguish them.ChrisVer said:If quantum mechanics don't allow the term trajectory for particles, then what do we see in bubble chambers, or what's the meaning of trying to "reconstruct" particle trajectories within a detector?
A quantum trajectory is a path that a quantum system follows as it evolves over time. It is a probabilistic description of how a quantum system moves and changes, taking into account the uncertainty inherent in quantum mechanics.
A bubble chamber is a device used to detect and track the paths of high-energy particles. It consists of a chamber filled with a superheated liquid, which creates tiny bubbles along the path of a charged particle passing through it. These bubble tracks can be photographed and used to study the behavior of particles and their quantum trajectories.
A detector is a crucial component in the study of quantum trajectories. It is used to measure the position, momentum, and other properties of a quantum system, which allows us to observe and track its trajectory. Detectors can also influence the trajectory of a particle, as the act of measurement can cause the system to collapse into a specific state.
Studying quantum trajectories can provide insight into the behavior of particles at the quantum level and help us understand the fundamental laws of nature. It also has practical applications in fields such as quantum computing, where controlling and manipulating the trajectories of particles is crucial for performing calculations and creating quantum technologies.
The uncertainty principle, a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics, states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle simultaneously. Quantum trajectories take this uncertainty into account, providing a probabilistic description of the particle's path rather than a definite trajectory. This is a key concept in understanding the behavior of particles at the quantum level.