Significance of Phase Factor in Quantum Mechanics Measurements

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the significance of phase factors in quantum mechanics measurements, particularly whether these phase factors can manifest in physical experiments. Participants explore the implications of phase factors in the context of quantum states and measurement outcomes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the state transformation after measurement, emphasizing the role of the phase factor e^{i\theta} and questioning its physical significance.
  • Another participant suggests that the phase factor does not have physical significance, indicating a disagreement on this point.
  • A third participant notes that while phase factors can be detected in interference experiments, only phase differences are relevant, not absolute phases.
  • A later reply expresses satisfaction with the discussion, suggesting some clarity was achieved, but does not resolve the initial question about the phase factor's significance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the physical significance of the phase factor, with some arguing it is not significant while others highlight its role in interference phenomena. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications of phase factors.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific quantum states and transformations, but the discussion does not clarify the conditions under which phase factors might be significant or detectable in experiments.

facenian
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If a system is in state [itex]|\psi>[/itex] before a meassurement, then after we find a value a_n the system is in state
[tex]\frac{P_n|\psi>}{\sqrt{<\psi|P_n|\psi>}}[/tex]

so for instance if [itex]|\psi>=c_1|a_1>+c_2|a_2>+c_3|a_3>[/itex] after we find a_1 the system is in the state [itex]|\psi>'=e^{i\theta}|a_1>[/itex] where [itex]\theta=[/itex] is the argument of complex a_1.
I know that [itex]|\psi>'[/itex] and [itex]|a_1>[/itex] represent two different vectors of the Hilbert space of states but the same physical state.
My question is, is there any way that the phase factor [itex]e^{\theta}[/itex] manifest itself in a physical experiment? or put in another way, does this factor have any physical significance?
I ask this because some systems when rotated 360 degrees transforms like [itex]|a> \rightarrow -|a>[/itex] and this sign can be detected exparimentally
 
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facenian said:
If a system is in state [itex]|\psi>[/itex] before a meassurement, then after we find a value a_n the system is in state
[tex]\frac{P_n|\psi>}{\sqrt{<\psi|P_n|\psi>}}[/tex]

so for instance if [itex]|\psi>=c_1|a_1>+c_2|a_2>+c_3|a_3>[/itex] after we find a_1 the system is in the state [itex]|\psi>'=e^{i\theta}|a_1>[/itex] where [itex]\theta=[/itex] is the argument of complex a_1.
you mean c_1.

I know that [itex]|\psi>'[/itex] and [itex]|a_1>[/itex] represent two different vectors of the Hilbert space of states but the same physical state.
My question is, is there any way that the phase factor [itex]e^{\theta}[/itex] manifest itself in a physical experiment? or put in another way, does this factor have any physical significance?
No, I don't think so.

I ask this because some systems when rotated 360 degrees transforms like [itex]|a> \rightarrow -|a>[/itex] and this sign can be detected exparimentally
 
Phase factors can be detected in interference experiments. However, the absolute phase cannot be detected; only phase differences cause interference.
 
Thank you for your answers I think that know I've Got it
 

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