Vienna, Austria – When delving into the minuscule world of particles, our standard understanding of the universe falters. Physics at this scale seems uncertain, defying our conventional notions of time and space. In an attempt to unravel this enigma, physicists have constructed a new framework rooted in probability rather than certainty – the realm of quantum theory. This revolutionary theory encapsulates a myriad of phenomena, from entanglement to superposition.
Despite a wealth of evidence supporting the efficacy of quantum theory in explaining our observations, the traditional view of the cosmos as a stable construct of fundamental building blocks persists. Not even the renowned physicist Albert Einstein could ignore the disconcerting implications of quantum theory, questioning whether objects like the Moon truly exist when not being observed.
Over the years, many scientists have pondered whether the physics governing our everyday experiences align with the principles of quantum physics. A recent study has now definitively answered this question in the negative. Through experiments involving a neutron interferometer, researchers have demonstrated that particles can simultaneously exist in two distinct locations—a phenomenon inconceivable within classical physics.
The study hinges on the Leggett-Garg inequality, a mathematical concept positing that a system must definitively occupy one of its available states at any given time. In contrast to macro systems governed by classical physics, quantum systems violate this inequality, embodying the essence of superposition. A notable physicist, Elisabeth Kreuzgruber of the Vienna University of Technology, draws parallels between the Leggett-Garg inequality and the renowned Bell’s inequality, which earned a Nobel Prize in Physics in 2022.
The neutron interferometer experiment involves splitting a beam of neutrons along divergent paths before recombining them later. According to Leggett and Garg’s theorem, measurements on a binary system yield two correlated results yet constrained to a certain threshold. However, for quantum systems, this threshold is surpassed, highlighting the need for quantum theory to comprehend such phenomena fully.
Physicist Richard Wagner notes the complexity of experimentally investigating the boundaries between macroscopic realism and quantum principles, emphasizing the necessity of utilizing objects with a size comparable to everyday items. By manipulating the space within the interferometer to a more macroscopic scale, researchers have uncovered compelling evidence that challenges the conventional rules of macro reality.
Through meticulous measurements and analysis, scientists have confirmed the simultaneous presence of neutrons in distinct paths separated by centimeters, defying classical interpretations. These findings underscore the enigmatic nature of quantum reality, emphasizing the indispensability of quantum theory in elucidating the complexities of our universe. The study has been published in the esteemed journal, Physical Review Letters.