the set of waves that represent the behaviour of an elementary particle, or some atoms and molecules, under certain conditions. The de Broglie wavelength, λ, is given by λ = h/mv, where h is the Planck constant, m the mass, and v the velocity of the particle
Also called: matter waves
Word origin
C20: named after Prince Louis Victor de Broglie
Examples of 'matter waves' in a sentence
matter waves
Technology majors when introduced to quantum concepts, invariably encounter difficulties in the understanding of matter waves.
L. Ellam 2007, 'On the Nature of Quantum Waves', International Journal of Bahamian Studieshttp://journals.sfu.ca/cob/index.php/files/article/view/8. Retrieved from DOAJ CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode)
Whereas the spin-orbit coupling destabilized these nonlinear matter waves, the linear potential leads to a stabilization.
D. Belobo Belobo, T. Meier 2018, 'Exotic complexes in one-dimensional Bose-Einstein condensates with spin-orbit coupling',Scientific Reportshttp://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s41598-018-22008-2. Retrieved from DOAJ CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode)
For these sorts of fundamental studies of quantum mechanics, interferometry using neutron matter-waves in particular, provides almost ideal experimental circumstances.
Stephan Sponar, Tobias Denkmayr, Hermann Geppert, Yuji Hasegawa 2016, 'Fundamental Features of Quantum Dynamics Studied in Matter-Wave Interferometry—SpinWeak Values and the Quantum Cheshire-Cat', Atomshttp://www.mdpi.com/2218-2004/4/1/11. Retrieved from DOAJ CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode)