Macroscopic object wave function

In summary, recent experiments have shown interference patterns for composite objects made of many atoms, despite having a large mass and small de Broglie wavelength. The wavefunction of the large object can be viewed as a combination of the wavefunctions of its constituent particles, with the de Broglie wavelength being an approximation for the total size of the wavelet. At higher impulses, the large object is better described as the sum of its constituent particles' wavefunctions. This aligns with the Bohr Correspondence Principle, which states that a large number of atoms approaches classical Newtonian Mechanics. The concept of de Broglie wavelength is an approximate tool in this scenario.
  • #1
fhenryco
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A composite object made of many atoms has a large mass hence a small de Broglie wavethength...and we know that recent experiments succeeded to obtain interference patterns even for such objects (for instance the C60 molecule). Did theoretician understood how a wavefunction with such a small wavelength could arise from the wave functions of the smaller particles inside the macroscopic objects that have larger wavethengthes ? Or is the wavefunction of the big object just a kind of heuristic tool that no one should try to understand in term of the subparts wavefuntions ?
 
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De Broglie wavethength is very approximate tool.
The quantum function of large (heavy) object can be visualized as "pinned" (i.e. constrained) by each particle, with each pinning "rigidity" proportional to particle impulse, producing something resembling wavelet. De Broglie wavethength is approximation for the total wavelet size when it is much larger than distance between individual particles. At higher impulses, large object is better described as just sum of wavefunctions of constituent particles.
 
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  • #3
The Bohr Correspondence Principle says that large number of atoms approaches Newtonian Mechanics.
 
  • #4
trurle said:
De Broglie wavethength is very approximate tool.
The quantum function of large (heavy) object can be visualized as "pinned" (i.e. constrained) by each particle, with each pinning "rigidity" proportional to particle impulse, producing something resembling wavelet. De Broglie wavethength is approximation for the total wavelet size when it is much larger than distance between individual particles. At higher impulses, large object is better described as just sum of wavefunctions of constituent particles.
Thanks ! very interesting, Would you have a reference on the subject ?
 

Related to Macroscopic object wave function

1. What is a macroscopic object wave function?

A macroscopic object wave function is a mathematical representation of the quantum state of a large, tangible object, such as a baseball or a car. It describes the probability of finding the object in a particular location or state.

2. How is a macroscopic object wave function different from a microscopic one?

A macroscopic object wave function differs from a microscopic one in that it describes the behavior of a much larger object, and therefore takes into account the effects of classical mechanics and gravity. In contrast, microscopic wave functions only consider quantum effects.

3. Can a macroscopic object have a single wave function?

No, a macroscopic object cannot have a single wave function. This is because macroscopic objects are made up of many particles, each with their own individual wave functions. The overall wave function of a macroscopic object is a combination of all these individual wave functions.

4. How is the macroscopic object wave function related to the Schrödinger equation?

The macroscopic object wave function is derived from the Schrödinger equation, which is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics. The equation describes the evolution of the wave function over time and can be used to calculate the probability of finding a macroscopic object in a particular state.

5. Can the macroscopic object wave function be observed or measured?

No, the macroscopic object wave function cannot be directly observed or measured. It is a mathematical concept used to describe the behavior of macroscopic objects in the quantum realm. However, its effects can be observed and measured through experiments and observations of the object's behavior.

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