Origin of quantum-mechanical complementarity without momentum back action in atom-interferometry experiments
Abstract
We identify the physical origin of the loss of interference pattern in the which-path atom-interferometery experiments that have been discussed widely. The origin of complementarity between the which-path information and the interference pattern is a discrete spinor phase with random sign. This clarifies how complementarity can arise without the Heisenberg back action in momentum.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review A
- Pub Date:
- July 2000
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevA.62.015601
- Bibcode:
- 2000PhRvA..62a5601U
- Keywords:
-
- 03.75.-b;
- 03.65.Bz;
- Matter waves