Description
Book SynopsisThe quantum interference of de Broglie matter waves is probably one of the most startling and fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics. It continues to tax our imaginations and leads us to new experimental windows on nature. Quantum interference phenomena are vividly displayed in the wide assembly of neutron interferometry experiments, which have been carried out since the first demonstration of a perfect silicon crystal interferometer in 1974. Since the neutron experiences all four fundamental forces of nature (strong, weak, electromagnetic, and gravitational), interferometry with neutrons provides a fertile testing ground for theory and precision measurements. Many Gedanken experiments of quantum mechanics have become real due to neutron interferometry.Quantum mechanics is a part of physics where experiment and theory are inseparably intertwined. This general theme permeates the second edition of this book. It discusses more than 40 neutron interferometry experiments along with their
Table of Contents1: Introduction 2: Neutron interferometers and apparatus 3: Neutron interactions and the coherent scattering lengths 4: Coherence and decoherence 5: Spinor symmetry and spin superposition 6: Topological and geometric phases 7: Contexuality and Kochen-Specker phenomena 8: Gravitational, inertial and motional effects 9: Solid state physics applications 10: Forthcoming, proposed and more speculative experiments 11: Perfect crystal neutron optics 12: Interpretational questions and conclusions
