[Physics] Sequential Stern-Gerlach Experiments

experimental-physicsquantum mechanics

Suppose a beam of particles is prepared with spin in the $+z$ direction (e.g. by a Stern-Gerlach apparatus). Suppose this beam then enters a Stern-Gerlach apparatus with orientation $\theta$ relative to $+z$. Quantum Mechanics predicts that with probability $\cos^2(\theta/2)$ a particle will be deflected in the $+\theta$ direction, and with probability $\sin^2(\theta/2)$ a particle will be deflected in the $-\theta$ direction.

I have not been able to find any published experimental tests of this prediction for arbitrary values of $\theta$. If you know of any, please provide the appropriate citation.

Best Answer

Not surprisingly, such questions date back to the original Stern-Gerlach experiments. An early experiment, perhaps not exactly what you seek, is reported by TE Phipps and O Stern (yes, the same Stern) in Zeitschrift fur Physik 73(3-4) 185-191 (1932). Another, more recent article, is K. Brodsky et al., Europhysics Letters 44(2) 137-143 (1998) on 'Single and double interaction zone with comoving fields in Stern-Gerlach atom interferometry' - this is probably way more sophisticated that you seek, but shows that double Stern-Gerlach experiments are not uncommon, but perhaps not called that.

A nice article that covers most of the related theory in an accessible way is AR Mackintosh, 'The Stern-Gerlach experiment, electron spin and intermediate quantum mechanics', Eur. J. Phys 4 97-106 (1983). This is theory only.

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