A matter wave is the quantum wave associated with a material particle. Its phase can interfere after coherent paths recombine.
Matter-wave interference occurs when coherent spatial branches of a particle's wavefunction recombine and their relative quantum phase changes the detection probabilities.
A neutron interferometer coherently splits and recombines neutron matter waves, allowing path-dependent phases to be measured through the output intensity.
The Colella–Overhauser–Werner experiment observed the relative phase acquired by neutron paths at different heights in the Earth's gravitational field.
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A matter wave refers to the wave-like behavior exhibited by particles of matter, based on the principles of quantum mechanics. This concept stems from the de Broglie hypothesis, proposed by Louis de Broglie in 1924, which posits that all matter possesses wave-like properties. According to de Broglie's theory, every particle has an associated wavelength, known as the de Broglie wavelength, which is inversely proportional to its momentum.
