Physics – Quantum Physics
Scientific paper
2000-03-17
Physics
Quantum Physics
12 pages, 2 figures
Scientific paper
10.1016/S0375-9601(00)00670-8
In its most orthodox form, Bohr's Complementarity Principle states that a quanton (a quantum system consisting of a Boson or Fermion) can either behave as a particle or as wave, but never simultaneosuly as both. A less orthodox interpretation of this Principle is the ``duality condition'' embodied in a mathematical inequality due to Englert [B-G Englert, Phys. Rev. Lett., Vol. 77, 2154 (1996)] which allows wave and particle attributes to co-exist, but postulates that a stronger manifestation of the particle nature leads to a weaker manifestation of the wave nature and vice versa. In this Letter, we show that some recent {\it welcher weg} ("which path") experiments in interferometers and similar set-ups, that claim to have validated, or invalidated, the Complementarity Principle, actually shed no light on the orthodox interpretation. They may have instead validated the weaker duality condition, but even that is not completely obvious. We propose simple modifications to these experiments which we believe can test the orthodox Complementarity Principle and also shed light on the nature of wavefunction collapse and quantum erasure.
No associations
LandOfFree
Welcher Weg Experiments and the Orthodox Bohr's Complementarity Principle 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 Welcher Weg Experiments and the Orthodox Bohr's Complementarity Principle, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Welcher Weg Experiments and the Orthodox Bohr's Complementarity Principle will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-98046