Sep 29, 2025 09:42 PM
(This post was last modified: Sep 30, 2025 04:56 PM by C C.)
https://www.livescience.com/physics-math...reaking-it
EXCERPTS: Physicists have measured both the momentum and position of a particle without breaking Heisenberg’s iconic uncertainty principle.
In quantum mechanics, particles don’t have fixed properties the way everyday objects do. Instead, they exist in a haze of possibilities until they’re measured. And when certain properties are measured, others become uncertain. According to Heisenberg's uncertainty, it’s not possible to know both a particle’s exact position and its exact momentum at the same time.
But a new study has shown a clever loophole around this restriction. Physicists in Australia have demonstrated that by focusing on different quantities, known as modular observables, they can simultaneously measure position and momentum.
[...] In a grid state, the ion’s wave function is spread out into a series of evenly spaced peaks, like the marks on a ruler. The uncertainty is concentrated in the spaces between the marks. The researchers used the peaks as reference points: when a small force nudges the ion, the entire grid pattern shifts slightly. A small sideways shift of the peaks shows up as a change in position, while a tilt in the grid pattern reflects a change in momentum. Because the measurement only cares about the shifts relative to the peaks, both position and momentum changes can be read out at the same time... (MORE - details)
EXCERPTS: Physicists have measured both the momentum and position of a particle without breaking Heisenberg’s iconic uncertainty principle.
In quantum mechanics, particles don’t have fixed properties the way everyday objects do. Instead, they exist in a haze of possibilities until they’re measured. And when certain properties are measured, others become uncertain. According to Heisenberg's uncertainty, it’s not possible to know both a particle’s exact position and its exact momentum at the same time.
But a new study has shown a clever loophole around this restriction. Physicists in Australia have demonstrated that by focusing on different quantities, known as modular observables, they can simultaneously measure position and momentum.
[...] In a grid state, the ion’s wave function is spread out into a series of evenly spaced peaks, like the marks on a ruler. The uncertainty is concentrated in the spaces between the marks. The researchers used the peaks as reference points: when a small force nudges the ion, the entire grid pattern shifts slightly. A small sideways shift of the peaks shows up as a change in position, while a tilt in the grid pattern reflects a change in momentum. Because the measurement only cares about the shifts relative to the peaks, both position and momentum changes can be read out at the same time... (MORE - details)
