Quantum jump

For other uses, see Quantum jump (disambiguation).

A quantum jump is the abrupt transition of a quantum system (atom, molecule, atomic nucleus) from one quantum state to another, from one energy level to another. When the system absorbs energy, there is a transition to a higher energy level (excitation), when the system loses energy, there is a transition to a lower energy level.

The concept was introduced by Niels Bohr.

A quantum jump is a phenomenon that is peculiar to quantum systems and distinguishes them from classical systems, where any transitions are performed gradually. In quantum mechanics, such jumps are associated with the non-unitary evolution of a quantum-mechanical system during measurement.

A quantum jump can be accompanied by the emission or absorption of photons; energy transfer during a quantum jump can also occur by non-radiative resonant energy transfer or in collisions with other particles.

In modern physics, the concept of a quantum jump is rarely used, as a rule scientists speak of transitions between quantum states or energy levels.

Atomic electron transition

Main article: Atomic electron transition

Molecular electronic transition

Main article: Molecular electronic transition

Sources

• Are there quantum jumps?
• «There are no quantum jumps, nor are there particles!» by H. D. Zeh, Physics Letters A172, 189 (1993).
• Gleick, James Gleick (October 21, 1986). "Physicists Finally Get To See the Quantum Jump". New York Times. New York City. Retrieved 2013-08-23. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
• Der Quantensprung im Bohrschen Atommodell Frühe Quantenphysik
• Der Quantensprung Die zweifelhafte Karriere eines Fachausdrucks (ZEIT 1996)
• M.B. Plenio und P.L. Knight The Quantum Jump Approach to Dissipative Dynamics in Quantum Optics, vgl. auch Rev. Mod. Phys. 70 101–144 (1998). (Beschreibung der Dynamik offener Systeme mittels Quantensprüngen)
• Historisches zum Quantensprung, Sommerfeld und Einstein 1911