Quantum optics seminar

Proper time and energy and the Quantum Galileo Interferometer

Mr. Jannik Strohle
Ulm University
Date Wed, 20 May 2026
Time 16:00 – 17:00
Venue Zoom only

Abstract

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84645430425?pwd=HPIHoZhicOJ18uVXdNQ0tkUxGeZxY9.1

Abstract:
Daniel M. Greenberger has often argued that in relativistic classical mechanics, position and momentum is not the only pair of conjugate variables. It should be supplemented by the pair consisting of proper time and mass. Moreover, he argued that there exist remnants of this additional pair of conjugate variables in the non-relativistic limit. We review this idea and first recall that the standard formula for the contraction of time follows in a dynamical way from the resulting four rather than two Hamilton equations of motion. We then apply this technique to rederive the phase shift in the Quantum Galileo Interferometer (QGI). This analysis shows that the QGI measures the proper time difference between the two arms of the interferometer and is a manifestation of the twin paradox for matter waves.
Created on 16-05-2026 by Folman, Ron (folman) · Updated on 16-05-2026 by Folman, Ron (folman)
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