Nate's Question: Why Is Detection Equivalent to Annihilation?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter nateHI
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Annihilation Detection
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equivalence of particle detection and annihilation, particularly in the context of coherent states in quantum mechanics. Participants explore the implications of a coherent state remaining unchanged when a particle is removed, questioning the relationship between detection and annihilation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references a source stating that a coherent state is unchanged by the detection or annihilation of a particle.
  • Another participant argues that detection and annihilation are not equivalent, suggesting that a particle can be removed without necessarily being detected or annihilated.
  • A third participant expresses agreement with the second viewpoint, affirming the distinction between detection and annihilation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement among participants regarding the equivalence of detection and annihilation, with some asserting they are not equivalent while others support this distinction.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the underlying assumptions about the definitions of detection and annihilation, nor does it clarify the implications of coherent states in this context.

nateHI
Messages
145
Reaction score
4
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coherent_state#Quantum_mechanical_definition

From the link above:
"Physically, this formula means that a coherent state is left unchanged by the detection (or annihilation) of a particle."

My question is, why is detection of a particle equivalent to annihilation of it?

Thanks, Nate
 
Physics news on Phys.org


My understanding is that they aren't equivalent. It just means that the coherent state isn't changed when a particle is removed, which can happen whether it is detected or annihilated.
 


I think you're correct. Thanks.
 


No problem.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Vacuum fluctuations - possible stupid question
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate How does particle detection affect a coherent state?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Question about Feynman diagram showing annihilation
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
924
Graduate Creation/annihilation operators and trigonometric functions
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Graduate Unpacking the Physics Behind the Annihilator-Creator Operator Formula
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate Calculating nonequilibrium Green's Functions
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Graduate What is the connection between coherence and pure states in quantum physics?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
9K
Undergrad Quantum numbers of Landau levels
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Early Quantum Entanglement Experiments basic question?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Antimatter-matter annihilation: significance of opposite charge
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K