Quantum spreading of polarization

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of photon polarization following measurement, specifically in relation to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. It is established that once the polarization of a photon is measured, it does not evolve independently over time, aside from continuous oscillation. Non-commuting polarization elements can become completely uncertain due to the initial measurement. For example, if a photon’s polarization is measured at 0 degrees, it can be measured again at the same polarization if it travels in a vacuum.

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jimgraber
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After we measure the position of a particle fairly sharply, it “spreads out” or the uncertainty grows according to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. After we measure the polarization of a photon, does it spread out, too? If not, why not? If so, how fast?
TIA
Jim Graber
 
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jimgraber said:
After we measure the position of a particle fairly sharply, it “spreads out” or the uncertainty grows according to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. After we measure the polarization of a photon, does it spread out, too? If not, why not? If so, how fast?
TIA
Jim Graber

The polarization, once known, does not independently evolve with time (other than continuing oscillation). There will be non-commuting polarization elements which will become completely uncertain as a result of the initial measurement. So if you measure photon polarization to be at 0 degrees, in principle you could measure it later and see it at the same polarization (assuming travel in a vacuum).
 

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