A Stern-Gerlach interferometer uses spin-dependent magnetic forces to split matter-wave components and subsequently recombine them coherently. Splitting alone is a spin-position correlation; interference requires restoring sufficient overlap in both position and momentum while controlling the relative phase.
An atom-chip realization uses accurately timed magnetic-field gradients to drive the separating and recombining trajectories. Reading the final spin populations reveals phase-dependent interference after recombination. Residual trajectory mismatch or uncontrolled magnetic noise reduces contrast, explaining why reversing the average force is insufficient by itself to make a complete interferometer.[ref]
Realization of a complete Stern-Gerlach interferometer: Towards a test of quantum gravity by Yair Margalit and others. Abstract and atom-chip full-loop experimental realization
Articles by others on the same topic
There are currently no matching articles.