Sequential stern-gerlach experiment

In summary, the conversation discusses the results of passing a single particle through a series of filters in a modified Stern-Gerlach experiment. The outcome of the particle's spin measurements will be random if there is a tree of filters, but it is not possible to determine a definite outcome if the filters are in a linear sequence. The question of whether the results are based on a deterministic or non-deterministic interpretation is also brought up.
  • #1
svnaras
6
0
I'm just getting the basics of quantum mechanics and I had a question regarding a modification of the stern-gerlach experiment that I think might help me understand the superimposed eigen-states better. Could someone please clarify what one would expect in the following situation?

Suppose we take a *single particle* and pass it sequentially through the following set of filters SGz, SGx, SGz, SGx, SGz, SGx, ... so on what will the measured values of the particle's spin be?
Say the result of the first two filters is +, - then will the following filters also record +,-,+,- so on or will the sequence be completely random?

Will the result predicted by QM depend on what sort of interpretation one subscribes to, for example copenhagen vs statistical or deterministic vs non-deterministc?
 
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  • #2
Do the + and the - outputs of the first SGz filter lead to the same SGx filter, or does each output lead to a different SGx filter, so the system is set up like a tree?

If there is just one linear sequence of filters, then they don't "record" anything - there is no way to tell whether they went + or - if you merge the output stream. Indeed, according to quantum theory it doesn't really make sense to say that there was a definite outcome.

If there is a tree of filters, so by looking at the detector at the very end, you can tell what the result of each spin measurement had to be, then the sequence will be random. A known output of an SGz filter, say +, will cause the next SGx measurement to be random all over again, and so on.
 
  • #3
If I can propose answer from deterministic viewpoint then the answer is still this:
JustSam said:
If there is a tree of filters, so by looking at the detector at the very end, you can tell what the result of each spin measurement had to be, then the sequence will be random. A known output of an SGz filter, say +, will cause the next SGx measurement to be random all over again, and so on.
And deterministic part in this answer is that after last SG filter only thing you can know from supposed hidden variable is whether particular particle will be included in measurement sample or not.
 
  • #4
thanks guys ... that seems to clear up some of my doubts
 

Related to Sequential stern-gerlach experiment

1. What is a sequential stern-gerlach experiment?

A sequential stern-gerlach experiment is a type of experiment used to study the quantum mechanical properties of particles. It involves passing a beam of particles through a series of magnetic fields, which causes the particles to be deflected in a specific direction based on their spin orientation.

2. What is the purpose of a sequential stern-gerlach experiment?

The purpose of a sequential stern-gerlach experiment is to observe and measure the spin orientation of particles, which is a fundamental property of quantum mechanics. This experiment can provide valuable insights into the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level.

3. How does a sequential stern-gerlach experiment work?

In a sequential stern-gerlach experiment, a beam of particles, such as atoms or electrons, is passed through a series of magnetic fields. The particles have a spin orientation, which can be either up or down. As they pass through the magnetic fields, the particles are deflected in different directions depending on their spin orientation, allowing researchers to observe and measure their spin.

4. What are some applications of sequential stern-gerlach experiments?

Sequential stern-gerlach experiments have various applications in fields such as quantum computing, materials science, and fundamental physics research. They can also be used to study the properties of specific particles, such as the electron, and to understand the behavior of complex systems at the atomic level.

5. Are there any limitations to sequential stern-gerlach experiments?

Sequential stern-gerlach experiments are limited by the accuracy and precision of the magnetic fields used and the sensitivity of the detectors. These experiments also require extremely controlled environments to minimize external interference. Additionally, the results of these experiments can be affected by the quantum state of the particles being observed.

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