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Tunable Einstein-Bohr Recoiling-Slit Gedankenexperiment at the Quantum Limit
Yu-Chen Zhang1,2, Hao-Wen Cheng1,2, Zhao-Qiu Zengxu1,2
1University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Department of Modern Physics, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China.
Physical Review Letters
|December 19, 2025
Summary
Researchers realized the Einstein-Bohr interferometer using a single atom, demonstrating quantum mechanics principles. This breakthrough allows dynamic tuning of momentum uncertainty and observation of quantum-to-classical transitions.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Atomic Physics
Background:
- The Einstein-Bohr interferometer is a thought experiment crucial for understanding quantum mechanics.
- Reproducing this experiment with a quantum-limited, movable slit has been a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally realize the Einstein-Bohr interferometer.
- To investigate quantum measurement and the quantum-to-classical transition.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a single atom in a 3D ground-state-cooled optical tweezer as a quantum beam splitter.
- Momentum entanglement between the atom and a photon was established.
- Dynamically tuned the atom's momentum uncertainty by varying optical tweezer trap depth.
Main Results:
- Achieved a functional Einstein-Bohr interferometer with a single atom.
- Observed a gradual shift in single-photon interference visibility by tuning momentum uncertainty.
- Differentiated quantum-limited noise from classical atom heating noise.
Conclusions:
- The single-atom interferometer provides a novel platform for exploring fundamental quantum phenomena.
- Demonstrated control over quantum measurement and observed a quantum-to-classical transition.
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