Work

Simulation of atom trajectories in the original Stern–Gerlach experiment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Following a comprehensive analysis of the historical literature, we model the geometry of the Stern–Gerlach experiment to numerically calculate the magnetic field using the finite-element method. Using this calculated field and Monte Carlo methods, the semiclassical atomic translational dynamics are simulated to produce the well-known quantized end-pattern with matching dimensions. The finite-element method used provides the most accurate description of the Stern–Gerlach magnetic field and end-pattern in the literature, matching the historically reported values and figures.

Source: Physica Scripta

DOI: 10.1088/1402-4896/adbf6c

Authors: Faraz Mostafaeipour, S Süleyman Kahraman, Kelvin Titimbo, Yixuan Tan, Lihong V Wang

Institution: California Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Mechanics and Applications

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,400

Funders: Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative