Quantum Interference and Inelastic Scattering in a Model Which-Way Device

TL;DR

This paper investigates a quantum which-way device using an Aharonov-Bohm ring with a quantum dot, demonstrating that quantum interference can be preserved even when the detector's state is altered.

Contribution

It shows that in a quantum which-way device, the detector's state can change without destroying interference, challenging conventional assumptions.

Findings

Quantum interference can be maintained despite changes in the detector state.

Inelastic scattering does not necessarily destroy quantum interference.

The model demonstrates the coexistence of which-path information and interference.

Abstract

A which-way device is one which is designed to detect which of 2 paths is taken by a quantum particle, whether Schr\"odinger's cat is dead or alive. One possible such device is represented by an Aharonov-Bohm ring with a quantum dot on one branch. A charged cantilever or spring is brought close to the dot as a detector of the presence of an electron. The conventional view of such a device is that any change in the state of the cantilever implies a change in the electron state which will in turn destroy the interference effects. In this paper we show that it is in fact possible to change the state of the oscillator while preserving the quantum interference phenomenon.