Testing quantum theory with higher-order interference in many-particle correlations / Marc-Oliver Pleinert.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Pleinert, Marc-Oliver, author.

Series:

Springer theses 2190-5061

Springer theses, 2190-5061

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Quantum theory.

Interference (Light).

Genre:

Electronic books.

Physical Description:

1 online resource : illustrations (chiefly color).

Place of Publication:

Cham : Springer, [2022]

Summary:

The structure of quantum theory permits interference of indistinguishable paths. At the same time, however, it also limits such interference to certain orders and any higher-order interference is prohibited. This thesis develops and studies concepts to test quantum theory with higher-order interference using many-particle correlations, the latter being generally richer and typically more subtle than single-particle correlations. It is demonstrated that quantum theory in general allows for interference up to order 2M in M-particle correlations. Depending on the mutual coherence of the particles, however, the related interference hierarchy can terminate earlier. In this thesis, we show that mutually coherent particles can exhibit interference of the highest orders allowed. We further demonstrate that interference of mutually incoherent particles truncates already at order M+1, although interference of the latter is principally more multifaceted than their coherent counterpart. We introduce two families of many-particle Sorkin parameters, whose members are expected to be all zero when quantum mechanics holds. As proof of concept, we demonstrate the disparate vanishing of such higher-order interference terms as a function of coherence in experiments with mutually coherent and incoherent sources. Finally, we investigate the influence of exotic kinked or looped quantum paths, which are permitted by Feynmans path integral approach, in such setups.

Contents:

Introduction

Foundations

Path Integral Approach to Quantum Interference

Quantum Theory of Light

A Family of Sorkin Parameters to Test Borns Rule Using Mutually Coherent Sources

Measuring the Interference Hierarchy of Single- and Two-Particle Correlations With Coherent Light

Appendix.

Notes:

"Doctoral thesis accepted by Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany."

Includes bibliographical references.

Online resource; title from PDF title page (SpringerLink, viewed June 2, 2022).

ISBN:

9783031044540

3031044541

OCLC:

1319201008

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.