0
$\begingroup$

While learning about electron spin and the Stern-Gerlach experiment, I wondered if the experiment could be implemented using conducting electrons in copper and an external magnetic field? The electric field in the conductor would be quite weak, and the effects of moving charges in the magnetic field could be accounted for, leaving only a split between +1/2 and -1/2 electrons through a copper plate. The magnetic field could be generated with the same magnet arrangement as the original experiment, or using a simple parallel current-carrying wire where the magnetic field gradient goes towards that wire. The main current would be passed through a copper plate, and detection would have to occur at the end of the plate somehow.

It sounded alright to me, though I am concerned that conducting electrons would not behave in a lattice as they would in free space. Would such an experiment work?

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ The issue is that electrons don't move freely in copper. There are tons of collisions which would probably wipe out any chance of observing a tiny perturbation on top of the Hall effect. $\endgroup$ Jan 23, 2018 at 18:54
  • $\begingroup$ I would think the Hall effect could be eliminated by having a magnetic field directed in parallel with the current and still having the gradient be transverse to the current flow (like a vertical current). But I agree, the conduction mechanism might drown out any spin-related effects. This is still the question, however - is the effect noticeable, or is the signal lost in the noise? $\endgroup$ Jan 23, 2018 at 19:23

0

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.