Surprising Quantum Bounces

by Valery Nesvizhevsky, Alexei Voronin

Overview

This unique book demonstrates the undivided unity and infinite diversity of quantum mechanics using a single phenomenon: quantum bounces of ultra-cold particles.Various examples of such 'quantum bounces' are: gravitational quantum states of ultra-cold neutrons (the first observed quantum states of matter in a gravitational field), the neutron whispering gallery (an observed matter-wave analog of the whispering gallery effect well known in acoustics and for electromagnetic waves), and gravitational and whispering gallery states for anti-matter atoms that remain to be observed.These quantum states are an invaluable tool in the search for additional fundamental short-range forces, for exploring the gravitational interaction and quantum effects of gravity, for probing physics beyond the standard model, and for furthering studies into the foundations of quantum mechanics, quantum optics, and surface science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781783265954
Publisher:	Imperial College Press
Publication date:	05/29/2015
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

Table of Contents

Preface vii

1 The Fast, the Heavy and the Free 1

1.1 Classical Equivalence Principle 1

1.2 Sailing Ship, Flying Jet and Falling Elevator: The Principle of Relativity 25

1.3 Artificial Gravity and Curved Space: The Least Action Principle 44

1.4 Συνοψιζ 61

2 When a Particle Becomes a Wave 67

2.1 Quantum Fall 67

2.2 Persistence of States 87

2.3 The Principle of Relativity and the Equivalence Principle in Quantum Mechanics 110

2.4 Συνοψιζ 124

3 Bouncing Neutrons 131

3.1 Ultracold Neutrons and Challenge of Gravity 131

3.2 Bouncing Wave: Penetration Through a Wall and Reflection from a Well 155

3.3 Energy of Gravitational States: Shaken, Not Stirred 169

3.4 Συνοψιζ 182

4 Bouncing Particles and Their Applications 187

4.1 Whispering Gallery and Surface Potentials 187

4.2 Fundamental Interactions and Quantum Bouncing 203

4.3 Bouncing Antihydrogen and Gravity of Antimatter 215

4.4 Συνοψιζ 235

Bibliography 243

Index 263