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

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 ef...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of physics 2012-09, Vol.33 (5), p.1147-1154
Main Author: Strange, P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accessibility
Angular momentum
azimuthal angle-angular momentum uncertainty relation
College Science
Communication, education, history, and philosophy
Constants
Energy
Exact sciences and technology
General physics
Hydrogen atoms
Magnetic fields
Magnets
Motion
Physics
Physics literature and publications
Probability
Quantum Mechanics
quantum probability backflow
Science Instruction
Students
Surveys and tutorial papers, resource letters
Uncertainty
Undergraduate Students
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0143-0807
1361-6404
DOI:10.1088/0143-0807/33/5/1147