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ERIC Number: EJ996087
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Sep
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0143-0807
EISSN: N/A
Large Quantum Probability Backflow and the Azimuthal Angle-Angular Momentum Uncertainty Relation for an Electron in a Constant Magnetic Field
Strange, P.
European Journal of Physics, v33 n5 p1147-1154 Sep 2012
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. (Contains 2 figures.)
Institute of Physics Publishing. The Public Ledger Building Suite 929, 150 South Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 215-627-0880; Fax: 215-627-0879; e-mail: info@ioppubusa.com; Web site: http://www.iop.org/EJ/journal/EJP
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A