Quantum Mechanics

1. Foundational Experiments
   1. Stern-Gerlach Experiment
      1. Historical Context
         1. Originated in the early 20th century.
         2. Contributions by Otto Stern and Walther Gerlach.
      2. Experimental Setup
         1. Use of a non-uniform magnetic field.
         2. Beam of silver atoms.
         3. Observation of discrete spots on a detector.
      3. Key Discoveries
         1. Demonstration of quantized spin.
         2. Concept of spin angular momentum.
      4. Implications and Applications
         1. Basis for quantum theory of angular momentum.
         2. Importance in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron spin resonance (ESR).
      5. Theoretical Interpretations
         1. Dirac’s theory of the electron.
         2. Connection to wave function collapse.
   2. Aspect's Experiment (Bell Test Experiments)
      1. Background and Motivation
         1. Based on the EPR paradox by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen.
         2. Aimed to test the completeness of quantum mechanics.
      2. Experimental Design
         1. Use of entangled photon pairs.
         2. Polarization measurements at different angles.
      3. Outcomes and Conclusions
         1. Violation of Bell inequalities.
         2. Confirmation of quantum entanglement.
      4. Impact on Quantum Mechanics
         1. Reinforcement of non-locality.
         2. Influence on theories of hidden variables.
      5. Technological and Philosophical Implications
         1. Foundations for quantum cryptography.
         2. Challenges to classical views of reality.
   3. Young's Double-Slit Experiment
      1. Historical Significance
         1. Performed by Thomas Young in the early 1800s.
         2. Early support for wave theory of light.
      2. Experimental Details
         1. Light passing through two closely spaced slits.
         2. Observation of interference patterns.
      3. Concepts Illustrated
         1. Demonstration of wave-particle duality.
         2. Evidence of superposition and interference.
      4. Extensions and Variations
         1. Electron and molecule double-slit experiments.
         2. Role in developments of quantum electrodynamics.
      5. Interpretations and Debates
         1. Copenhagen Interpretation vs. alternative views.
         2. Relation to the observer effect and measurement problem.
   4. Other Notable Foundational Experiments
      1. Davisson-Germer Experiment
         1. Experimental evidence of electron diffraction.
         2. Support for de Broglie hypothesis of wave-particle duality.
      2. Quantum Eraser Experiments
         1. Reversal of "which-path" information effects.
         2. Insights into retrocausality and entanglement.
      3. Delayed Choice Experiments
         1. Demonstrations of observer effect in delayed observations.
         2. Challenges to classical intuition on causality and choice.
      4. Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
         1. Use in exploring the principles of superposition and coherence.
         2. Key element in experiments like quantum teleportation and entanglement swapping.