The discussion centers on the wavefunction of sodium chloride (NaCl) and its potential entanglement properties. It is established that NaCl does possess a wavefunction, but the entanglement between sodium and chlorine electrons is not significant due to their treatment as independent charged spheres. The concept of F-center lattices is introduced, highlighting that while entanglement of F-centers may be more manageable, practical applications remain uncertain. The conversation references the Born-Haber cycle and the decomposition of the wavefunction into separate electron states.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, chemists, and materials scientists interested in quantum mechanics, ionic bonding, and the behavior of defects in crystalline structures.
Yes.Nusc said:Does NaCl have a wavefunction?
The electrons in a multielectron system like an atom, molecule, or crystal are (almost?) always entangled, but not really in any way that's useful for us. A more interesting question might be if you can decompose the wavefunction into "Na electrons" and "Cl electrons:"Nusc said:If so, is it entangled?
An F-center is a defect in a lattice. In NaCl, it would arise as a Cl- vacancy which is filled by an electron. It would probably be easier to control the entanglement of two F-centers than anything else in the NaCl lattice, but a quick google search didn't bring anything up for me. (I'm imagining entangling the spins of the F-centers like you would the spins of NV centers in diamonds.) There may be a reason why this isn't feasible in practice.Nusc said:F-center lattice?