Experimental verification of indistinguishability for free particles?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the experimental verification of indistinguishability for free particles, specifically free neutrons. Indirect evidence suggests that indistinguishability is inherent in the Fock-space construction, leading to specific state-counting and statistics, such as Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions, rather than Boltzmann statistics. Key references include Coulomb and Mott scattering, which illustrate the differences in differential cross sections for distinguishable particles versus fermions and bosons due to Pauli blocking and Bose enhancement.

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  • Understanding of Fock-space construction in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics
  • Familiarity with Coulomb and Mott scattering processes
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics and particle physics
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  • Research the Fock-space construction in quantum mechanics
  • Study the implications of Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics
  • Examine Coulomb and Mott scattering in quantum mechanics textbooks
  • Explore experimental studies on indistinguishability of free particles
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Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in particle indistinguishability and its experimental verification.

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Hey,

Does anyone know a link to a paper talking about the experimental verification of indistinguishability of some free particles? For example showing it for free neutrons or something.

Thanks!
 
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I think there is indirect evidence, namely that indistinguishablitity is built-in in the Fock-space construction, that this implies a certain state-counting and statistics (Fermi-Dirac or Bose-Einstein instead of Boltzmann) and that all results derived from it agree with nature.
 
Look for Coulomb or Mott scattering in quantum-mechanics textbooks. If it's a good book, they show the scattering of nuclei that are (a) distinguishable, (b) fermions, and (c) bosons. There you see a huge difference in the various (differential) cross sections due to Pauli blocking and Bose enhancement, compared to the case of distinguishable particles.
 

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