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Application of Neutron Interferometry for Tests of Fundamental Physics Questions

  • Conference paper
Beyond the Desert 2003

Part of the book series: Springer Proceedings in Physics ((SPPHY,volume 92))

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Abstract

Interferometry with elementary particles combines particle and wave feaetures in a direct way. In this respect, neutrons are proper tools for testing quantum mechanics because they are massive, they couple to electromagnetic fields due to their magnetic moment and they are subject to all basic interactions and they are sensitive to topological effects as well. Related experiments will be discussed. Deterministic and stochastic partial absorption experiments can be described by Bell-type inequalities. Recent neutron interferometry experiments based on postselection methods renewed the discussion about quantum nonlocality and the quantum measuring process. It has been shown that interference phenomena can be revived even when the overall interference pattern has lost its contrast. This indicates persisting coupling in phase space even in cases of spatially separated Schrödinger-cat-like situations. These states are extremely fragile and sensitive to any kind of fluctuation or other decoherence processes. More complete quantum experiments also show that a complete retrieval of quantum states behind an interaction region becomes impossible in principle. The transition from a quantum world to a classical one is still an open question. Recent experiments demonstrated a confinement-induced phase and showed the contextuality phenomenon of quantum phasics. The observed results agree with quantum mechanical laws and may stimulate further discussions about their interpretations.

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  1. Atominstitut der Österreichischen Universitäten, A-1020, Wien, Austria

    Helmut Rauch

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  1. Helmut Rauch
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  1. Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany

    Hans Volker Klapdor-Kleingrothaus

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Rauch, H. (2004). Application of Neutron Interferometry for Tests of Fundamental Physics Questions. In: Klapdor-Kleingrothaus, H.V. (eds) Beyond the Desert 2003. Springer Proceedings in Physics, vol 92. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-18534-2_28

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-18534-2_28

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