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Quantum mechanical description of Stern-Gerlach experiments

G. Potel·F. Barranco·S. Cruz-Barrios·J. Gómez-Camacho
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Abstract

The motion of neutral particles with magnetic moments in an inhomogeneous magnetic field is described in a quantum mechanical framework. The validity of the semi-classical approximations which are generally used to describe these phenomena is discussed. Approximate expressions for the evolution operator are derived and compared to the exact calculations. Focusing and spin-flip phenomena are predicted. The reliability of Stern-Gerlach experiments to measure spin projections is assessed in this framework.

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G. Potel, F. Barranco, S. Cruz-Barrios, J. Gómez-Camacho. 2004-09-29. Quantum mechanical description of Stern-Gerlach experiments. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.71.052106

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