Compton scattering from proton pairs – illustrating weak and strong measurements
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Neutrons interacting with protons in Compton scattering is here chosen as an example of a non-trivial quantum measurement. It illustrates a situation where a probe particle makes an observation (a weak measurement) of the studied protons, preparing for a final state in which one of them takes up the recoil in the collision. The proton is ejected during a strong (projective) measurement that selects one particular momentum value out of the proton’s initial distribution of momentum states. This course of events in the measurement process is evidenced by the observation that destructive interference appears during the weak interaction stage which leads to a strongly reduced neutron cross section for the proton system.
Source: Physica Scripta
Author: Erik B Karlsson
Institution: Uppsala University
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,285
OpenAlex ID: W4405222594