Partha Ghose

An experiment to throw more light on light

Abstract We propose an experiment in which “single photon states” are incident on a combination of two prisms placed opposite each other. When the gap between the prisms is larger than the wavelength, the incident “photon states” suffer total internal reflection inside the first prism (registered by counter 1). When the gap is shorter than the wavelength, there is a possibility of their tunneling across the gap (registered by counter 2). The two counters 1 and 2 clicking in perfect anticoincidence would show simultaneously sharp particle and wave characteristics, highlighting inadequacy of the complementarity principle in its usual form. Other possibilities of the outcome are not favoured by the formalism of quantum optics.

Bohmian trajectories for photons

Abstract The first examples of Bohmian trajectories for photons have been worked out for simple situations, using the Kemmer–Duffin–Harish-Chandra formalism.

Klein paradox for bosons

Abstract We show analytically that the Zitterbewegung and Klein paradox, such well-known aspects of the Dirac equation are not found in the case of bosons. We use the Kemmer–Duffin–Chandra formalism with β matrices to arrive at our results.

An «experiment to throw more light on light» : implications

Abstract Mizobuchi and Ohtake [Phys. Lett. A 168 (1992) 1] have performed the double-prism experiment with single photon states proposed by us [Phys. Lett. A 153 (1991) 403] and verified the quantum optical prediction outlined in that paper. Here we give a detailed justification of our claim that this experimental result contradicts the tenet of mutual exclusiveness of classical wave and particle pictures assumed in Bohrs complementarity principle.

Relativistic quantum mechanics of bosons

Abstract We show that it is possible to use the Klein-Gordon, Proca and Maxwell formulations to construct multi-component relativistic configuration space wavefunctions of spin-0 and spin-1 bosons in an external field. These wavefunctions satisfy the first-order Kemmer-Duffin equation. The crucial ingredient is the use of the future-causal normal n μ ( n μ n μ =1, n 0 >0) to the space-like hypersurfaces foliating space-time, inherent in the concept of a relativistic wavefunction, to construct a conserved future-causal probability current four-vector from the second-rank energy-momentum tensor, following Hollands prescription. The existence of a Hermitian position operator, localized solutions, compatibility with the second quantized thories and the question of interpretation are discussed.

The two-prism experiment and wave-particle duality of light

A number of papers on wave-particle duality has appeared since the two-prism experiment was performed by Mizobuchi and Ohtake, based on a suggestion by Ghose, Home, and Agarwal. Against this backdrop, the present paper provides further clarification of the key issues involved in the analysis of the two-prism experiment. In the process, we present an overview of wave-particle duality vis-a vis Bohrs complementarity principle.

On the incompatibility of standard quantum mechanics and conventional de Broglie-Bohm theory

It is shown that conventional de Broglie-Bohm quantum theory is incompatible with the standard quantum theory of a system unless the former is ergodic.

Confronting the complementarity principle in an interference experiment

Abstract We propose a variant of the standard Mach-Zehnder interferometer experiment which is predicted by the formalism of quantum optics to display unambiguous particle-like and wave-like propagation of “single photon states” under identical conditions, confronting the complementarity principle it also clarifies certain issues involved in the interpretations of the QM formalism.

An analysis of the Aharonov-Anandan-Vaidman model

We argue that the Aharonov-Anandan-Vaidman model, by using the notion of so-called “protective measurements,” cannot claim to have dispensed with the ldcollapse of the wave function,” because it does not succeed in avoiding the quantum measurement problem. Its claim to be able to distinguish between two nonorthogonal states is also critically examined.

Wave-particle duality of single-photon states

We review the present status of wave-particle duality of single-photon states in the context of some recent experiments. In particular, Bohrs complementarity principle is critically reexamined. It is explained in detail how this principle is confronted in these experiments and how a contradiction with the notion of “mutual exclusiveness” of classical wave and particle pictures emerges.