Wigner function for a free particle in two dimensions: A tale of interference

The familiar wave function for a free particle in two dimensions and in a state with definite values of energy and angular momentum shows some unusual effects. We identify the origin of these subtleties as interference in two-dimensional space where Huygens’ principle breaks down. Our arguments are...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Optics communications 2010-03, Vol.283 (5), p.786-789
Main Authors: Schleich, W.P., Dahl, J.P., Varró, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Angular momentum
Breaking down
Interference
Origins
Two dimensional
Wave functions
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Summary:The familiar wave function for a free particle in two dimensions and in a state with definite values of energy and angular momentum shows some unusual effects. We identify the origin of these subtleties as interference in two-dimensional space where Huygens’ principle breaks down. Our arguments are based upon the corresponding Wigner function.
ISSN:0030-4018
1873-0310
DOI:10.1016/j.optcom.2009.10.055