Large quantum probability backflow and the azimuthal angle–angular momentum uncertainty relation for an electron in a constant magnetic field

Autor:	Paul Strange
Rok vydání:	2012
Předmět:	Physics Angular momentum Total angular momentum quantum number Quantum mechanics Orbital motion Angular momentum coupling Angular momentum of light General Physics and Astronomy Orbital angular momentum of light Angular momentum operator Azimuthal quantum number
Zdroj:	European Journal of Physics. 33:1147-1154
ISSN:	1361-6404 0143-0807
Popis:	In this paper we demonstrate a surprising aspect of quantum mechanics that is accessible to an undergraduate student. We discuss probability backflow for an electron in a constant magnetic field. It is shown that even for a wavepacket composed entirely of states with negative angular momentum the effective angular momentum can take on positive values in some regions of space. This is also a demonstration of the azimuthal angle–angular momentum uncertainty relation. This example is chosen because the backflow motion persists indefinitely. However this work can easily be extended to other systems where the motion is notionally circular, such as the hydrogen atom.
Databáze:	OpenAIRE
Externí odkaz:	https://explore.openaire.eu/search/publication?articleId=doi_________::dc678e108e95d4a7e61032111afdcb27 https://doi.org/10.1088/0143-0807/33/5/1147 Zobrazit plný text záznamu