Classical aspects of the Pauli-Schrödinger equation
Abstract
We derive a Pauli-Schrödinger type equation from the classical Liouville equation, for a neutral particle with arbitrary spin and magnetic dipole. Our derivation does not apply to a general classical phase-space distribution. Nevertheless, in certain particular cases we show that there is a correspondence between the classical equations and the Pauli-Schrödinger equation. Consequently, the results of the Stern-Gerlach, and also the Rabi type molecular beam experiments, can be interpreted classically, that is, in such a way that the particles have well-defined and continuous trajectory, and also continuous orientation of the spin vector. Theoretical and experimental implications of this conclusion are briefly commented.
- Publication:
-
Physics Letters A
- Pub Date:
- November 1998
- DOI:
- 10.1016/S0375-9601(98)00682-3
- Bibcode:
- 1998PhLA..248...93D