Quantum-beat phenomena described by quantum electrodynamics and neoclassical theory Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • We propose and analyze the use of quantum-beat phenomena to test neoclassical radiation theory (NCT) and quantum electrodynamics (QED). For a beam-foil type of experiment with atoms having one upper level and two closely spaced lower levels, all coherently excited, NCT predicts the presence of quantum beats in the emitted radiation; beats are not expected in QED. QED predicts beats when many atoms are present, in agreement with recent photon-echo experiments. An experiment to test NCT and QED is suggested. 1975 The American Physical Society.

published proceedings

  • Physical Review A

author list (cited authors)

  • Chow, W. W., Scully, M. O., & Stoner, J. O.

citation count

  • 90

complete list of authors

  • Chow, Weng W||Scully, Marlan O||Stoner, John O

publication date

  • April 1975