How Does Electron Decay in a Magnetic Field Work?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the phenomenon of electron decay in a magnetic field, specifically addressing the emission of photons with certain probabilities. Key points include that the decay time constant remains unchanged regardless of spin orientation, as the down state does not decay. The conversation also raises questions about the timing of emission, the direction of photon emission, and methods for detecting emitted photons. Theoretical implications regarding the energy output required for a 6kW laser beam from electron decay are also explored.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of electron spin and magnetic fields
  • Knowledge of photon emission processes
  • Familiarity with experimental detection methods for photons
NEXT STEPS
  • Research quantum mechanics and electron behavior in magnetic fields
  • Study the principles of photon emission and detection techniques
  • Explore the implications of spin orientation on quantum decay processes
  • Investigate experimental setups for measuring photon emissions from decaying electrons
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in electron behavior in magnetic fields and photon emission phenomena.

elementHTTP
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So i was watching Susskind lectures on entanglements
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaTF4QZ94Fk
and there he mention decay (electron in magnetic field emits a photon whit certain probability )

That made me wonder :
1. How long you have to wait for emission to occur ? (for probability of 1/2 )
2. Dose decay time depend on spin orientation ? ( kinda like probability of photon emission depends on spin orientation)
3. In witch direction is photon emitted ?
4 How do you detect that photon ?


It will be awesome if you can provide links for some of those experiments/data :D
Thanks

+ random fun question
hypothetically speaking how much electron decaying in magnetic field ( with probability of 1 ) will it take to create 6kW laser like beam :D :D :D
 
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elementHTTP said:
So i was watching Susskind lectures on entanglements
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaTF4QZ94Fk
and there he mention decay (electron in magnetic field emits a photon whit certain probability )

That made me wonder :
1. How long you have to wait for emission to occur ? (for probability of 1/2 )
2. Dose decay time depend on spin orientation ? ( kinda like probability of photon emission depends on spin orientation)
3. In witch direction is photon emitted ?
4 How do you detect that photon ?


It will be awesome if you can provide links for some of those experiments/data :D
Thanks

+ random fun question
hypothetically speaking how much electron decaying in magnetic field ( with probability of 1 ) will it take to create 6kW laser like beam :D :D :D

2. is easy. The answer is no. The probability of emission does depend on the prepared orientation, but since

(1) the electron is then in a specific superimposition of the up state and the down state w.r.t. the magnetic field and
(2) the down state does not decay at all

the decay time constant is the same as for the pure up state.
 
Last edited:

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