Explaining quantum coherence to a layman

[Einstein Mcfly]

Hey folks. I'm giving a poster at a conference in a month or so and I'm supposed to explain my research (optimal control of quantum systems in dissipative environments) to people from many other disciplines (psychology, biology, etc). I'd like to hear any tips those on this board have on how to explain quantum coherence to people who may have never had more than high school physics, if that.

There is always the pictorial representation of adding two waves constructively to get a larger amplitude or destructively to get a smaller one, but that's the best I can think of so far. As for wave packet rephasing, there is the analogy of people racing around a track at speeds that are integer multiples of one another and showing that at a certain time later they'll all be at the starting point together.

Other ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

[vanesch]

Other ideas? Thanks in advance.

Adding arrows in a large space ?

 

[Entropia]

Quantum coherence is a phenomenon that occurs in quantum systems, which are very small particles such as atoms or electrons. These particles have properties that can exist in multiple states at the same time, unlike the objects we see in our everyday lives. Quantum coherence refers to the ability of these particles to maintain their multiple states and interact with each other in a coordinated way, even when they are separated by large distances.

Think of it like a group of dancers performing a synchronized routine. Each dancer has their own unique movements and positions, but they are all working together in perfect harmony. Similarly, in a quantum system, each particle has its own state, but they are all connected and working together to create a larger, coordinated system.

One of the key concepts in quantum coherence is wave interference, which is when two waves interact with each other and either amplify or cancel each other out. This is similar to how sound waves can combine to create louder or softer sounds. In quantum systems, this interference can result in the particles being in a state of superposition, where they exist in multiple states simultaneously.

Another important aspect of quantum coherence is wave packet rephasing. This is when the particles in a quantum system, which may have become out of sync due to interactions with their environment, are able to synchronize their states again. This is like a group of runners who may have started at different times, but are able to come back together at a specific time and location.

Overall, quantum coherence is a fundamental aspect of the behavior of quantum systems and plays a crucial role in many applications, such as quantum computing and quantum cryptography. I hope this helps to give you a basic understanding of this complex concept.