De Broglie wavelength shift in gravitational fields

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effect of gravitational fields on the de Broglie wavelengths of particles, specifically electrons and positrons, as they accelerate toward Earth in free-fall. Participants explore the implications of gravitational influence on quantum wave representations of matter.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that, similar to photons, the de Broglie wavelengths of electrons or positrons may be shortened (blue-shifted) as they fall in a gravitational field.
  • Another participant references an experimental demonstration related to neutron wavefunctions in gravity, indicating relevance to the discussion of matter-waves.
  • Some participants imply agreement with the notion that gravitational fields affect the quantum de Broglie representation of matter-waves, though this is not explicitly stated as a consensus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be some agreement among participants regarding the influence of gravitational fields on de Broglie wavelengths, but the discussion includes varying levels of explicitness and certainty, indicating that multiple views may still exist.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference experimental findings and theoretical implications without resolving the complexities of how gravitational effects specifically alter quantum representations.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the intersection of quantum mechanics and general relativity, as well as those exploring the implications of gravitational fields on particle physics, may find this discussion relevant.

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Photons are blue-shifted as they accelerate in free-fall toward the earth. When an electron or positron is conceptualized as a wave using de Broglie's equation, are the de Broglie wavelengths of the electron or positron shortened (blue-shifted) as they accelerate toward the Earth in free-fall? In other words do gravitational fields effect the quantum de broglie representation of matter-waves?
 
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Hossenfelder wrote a nice post about an experimental demonstration of neutron wavefunctions in gravity: http://backreaction.blogspot.com/2007/06/bouncing-neutrons-in-gravitational.html" .
 
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Atyy didn't quite say so explicitly, but the answer to the OP's question is yes.
 
atyy said:
Hossenfelder wrote a nice post about an experimental demonstration of neutron wavefunctions in gravity: http://backreaction.blogspot.com/2007/06/bouncing-neutrons-in-gravitational.html" .

Thanks for the reference. I am reading it now and finding it fascinating. It will take time for me to absorb it.
 
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bcrowell said:
Atyy didn't quite say so explicitly, but the answer to the OP's question is yes.

Thanks for the quick answer. I have wondered about this for some time.
 

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