Speaker: Professor Tim Ralph
Affiliation: University of Queensland

Abstract

The uncertainty principle seems to prevent the measurement of trajectories for quantum particles by limiting the accuracy with which position and momentum can be simultaneously determined. However, if one is willing to consider average values taken over a large ensemble, it turns out that trajectories can be determined using the techniques of weak value measurements. The trajectories measured in this way turn out to be the ones proposed by David Bohm 70 years ago in his “pilot-wave” interpretation of quantum mechanics. Up till recently this has only worked for slow moving particles. In this talk I will describe how to extend this technique to relativistic particles such as photons. I will discuss the unusual properties of the trajectories that emerge in this new domain and what happens when we consider more than one particle.

About Physics colloquium

The Physics Colloquium series hosts a range of speakers from Australia and abroad. The series explores a variety of topics and everyone is welcome to come along. The seminars are open so there is no need to register your attendance.

Venue

Parnell Building (7)
Room: 222 (and via Zoom:
https://uqz.zoom.us/j/82590260715)