Abstract
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 27-28 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Journal | Physics World |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 11 |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2000 |
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Keywords
- quantum physics
- light
- optics
- quantum mechanics
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Light beats quantum mechanics. / Jeffers, J .
In: Physics World, Vol. 13, No. 11, 11.2000, p. 27-28.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Light beats quantum mechanics
AU - Jeffers, J
PY - 2000/11
Y1 - 2000/11
N2 - The mathematics of quantum theory is based on operators rather than numbers. In optics this simple fact allows statistical quantities, such as the fluctuations in the electric field of a light beam, to be smaller than is allowed by classical physics. Experiments that measure these quantities can generally be divided into two types, depending on whether they measure the wave or the particle properties of light. This is in line with the “complementarity principle” of quantum mechanics, which states that the wave and particle aspects of a system cannot be observed at the same time.
AB - The mathematics of quantum theory is based on operators rather than numbers. In optics this simple fact allows statistical quantities, such as the fluctuations in the electric field of a light beam, to be smaller than is allowed by classical physics. Experiments that measure these quantities can generally be divided into two types, depending on whether they measure the wave or the particle properties of light. This is in line with the “complementarity principle” of quantum mechanics, which states that the wave and particle aspects of a system cannot be observed at the same time.
KW - quantum physics
KW - light
KW - optics
KW - quantum mechanics
UR - http://physicsworldarchive.iop.org/index.cfm?action=summary&doc=13%2F11%2Fphwv13i11a28%40pwa-xml&qt=
M3 - Article
VL - 13
SP - 27
EP - 28
JO - Physics World
T2 - Physics World
JF - Physics World
SN - 0953-8585
IS - 11
ER -