Heidelberg 2015 – wissenschaftliches Programm

Bereiche | Tage | Auswahl | Suche | Aktualisierungen | Downloads | Hilfe

Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 2: Quantum Effects: Entanglement and Decoherence I

Q 2.2: Vortrag

Montag, 23. März 2015, 11:45–12:00, B/gHS

Macroscopicity of quantum experiments — •Stefan Nimmrichter and Klaus Hornberger — Universität Duisburg-Essen, Fakultät für Physik, 47048 Duisburg

We present a measure for the macroscopicity reached in quantum superposition experiments [1]. It is based on the principle of hypothesis tests: One quantum experiment is more macroscopic than another if it realizes a more significant test of the validity of quantum mechanics against macroscopic realism [2]. Since the main observable consequence of the latter is a hypothetical breakdown of the superposition principle on macroscopic scales, quantum superposition experiments with massive systems of many particles are the ideal candidates for such hypothesis tests. We can quantify and compare the degree of macroscopicity reached in these experiments by specifying the mathematical form of a broad generic class of hypothetical modifications of the Schrödinger equation leading to classicality in the macroworld. Objective collapse models [3], in particular, are a renowned example of macrorealistic modifications.

[1] SN & KH, PRL 110, 160403 (2013)

[2] A.J. Leggett, J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 14, R415 (2002)

[3] A. Bassi et al, RMP 85, 471 (2013)