The gravitational quantum well

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2006

Authors

Bertolami, O (Author) Other; Rosa, JG (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Vol. 33

Pages: 118-130

ISSN: 1742-6588

Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge

Scopus - 6 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-007-FC0

DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/33/1/011

Abstract (EN): We discuss the implications of a model of noncommutative Quantum Mechanics where noncommutativity is extended to the phase space. We analyze how this model affects the problem of the two-dimensional gravitational quantum well and use the latest experimental results for the energy states of neutrons in the Earth's gravitational field to establish an upper bound on the fundamental momentum scale introduced by noncommutativity. We show that the configuration space noncommutativity has, in leading order, no effect on the problem and that in the context of the model, a correction to the presently accepted value of Planck's constant to 1 part in 1024 arises. We also study the transition between quantum and classical behaviour of particles in a gravitational quantum well and analyze how an increase in the particles mass turns the energy spectrum into a continuous one. We consider these effects and argue that they could be tested by through experiments with atoms and fullerene-type molecules. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific