Physics – Quantum Physics
Scientific paper
2003-11-06
Physica A 355, 297-318 (2005)
Physics
Quantum Physics
16 pages, 1 figure, Latex, minor corrections made for publication
Scientific paper
10.1016/j.physa.2005.02.059
We consider a Wheeler delayed-choice experiment based on the Mach-Zehnder Interferometer. Since the development of the causal interpretation of relativistic boson fields there have not been any applications for which the equations of motion for the field have been solved explicitly. Here, we provide perhaps the first application of the causal interpretation of boson fields for which the equations of motion are solved. Specifically, we consider the electromagnetic field. Solving the equations of motion allows us to develop a relativistic causal model of the Wheeler delayed-choice Mach-Zehnder Interferometer. We show explicitly that a photon splits at a beam splitter. We also demonstrate the inherent nonlocal nature of a relativistic quantum field. This is particularly revealed in a which-path measurement where a quantum is nonlocally absorbed from both arms of the interferometer. This feature explains how when a photon is split by a beam splitter it nevertheless registers on a detector in one arm of the interferometer. Bohm et al \cite{BDH85} have argued that a causal model of a Wheeler delayed-choice experiment avoids the paradox of creating or changing history, but they did not provide the details of such a model. The relativistic causal model we develop here serves as a detailed example which demonstrates this point, though our model is in terms of a field picture rather than the particle picture of the Bohm-de Broglie nonrelativistic causal interpretation.
No associations
LandOfFree
A field theoretic causal model of a Mach-Zehnder Wheeler delayed-choice experiment does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A field theoretic causal model of a Mach-Zehnder Wheeler delayed-choice experiment, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A field theoretic causal model of a Mach-Zehnder Wheeler delayed-choice experiment will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-519555