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In the Stern-Gerlach experiment an image for the $z$ measurement is often shown as a measurement perpendicular to the axis of the beam

Stern-Gerlach in Z direction.

It would seem that to make a sequential measurement in the the $x$ direction that another similar apparatus would have to be placed and be turned $\pi/2$ around the axis of the beam.

However, the problem I've had is visualizing what would the experimental setup be for the $y$ direction. Is the system rotated around an axis perpendicular to the beam?

It feels that this orientation would not deflect the particle. Some orientations may even have the particle not pass through the apparatus at all. Would the devices that create the electric field not also get in the way of the beam line?

Summarized Question: Relative to the initial Stern-Gerlach, how is a $y$ orientation setup.

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    $\begingroup$ Your question would be more readable if you would make a reduced-resolution copy of the diagram and place it directly in your question. (This is legal because the licenses of SE and WP are compatible. You just have to give credit.) $\endgroup$
    – user4552
    Commented Jun 14, 2018 at 3:52

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"Relative to the initial Stern-Gerlach, how is a y orientation setup?"

The Stern-Gerlach uses a magnetic field gradient to spatially separate different spin-classes. The spatial separation occurs along the magnetic field gradient axis, as this gradient accelerates the atoms via their magnetic moment.

A "Stern-Gerlach experiment along the atomic beam axis" would work, but the spatial separation would occur along the beam axis, making it more difficult to detect. For example, you could place your strong magnetic field and field gradient along the beam propagation axis. This would accelerate a spin-class and de-accelerate the other along the beam propagation axis.

This means that if you shoot a small bunch of a few atoms, they would be separated temporally, ie. one spin-class would arrive at the detector slightly before than the other.

The detection difficulty comes from the fact that both spin-classes are still traveling along the same axis: if you were operating with a continuous source of atoms, you would only see one spot where both spin-classes are hitting the detector. But if you "chopped/pulsed" your source of atoms, you would see two spikes separated in time at the detector: each one corresponding to a different spin-class.

Somewhat off-topic note: you might want to check out a really cool apparatus called the "Zeeman slower".

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  • $\begingroup$ So if I understand correctly it would rather change the timing of arrival rather than than the position it approaches? $\endgroup$
    – akozi
    Commented Jun 14, 2018 at 14:18
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    $\begingroup$ Yeah, in this version there would be a different time of arrival for different spin classes. As opposed to the "traditional" Stern-Gerlach, where there are different positions for the different spin classes. $\endgroup$
    – Gyromagnetic
    Commented Jun 14, 2018 at 14:35
  • $\begingroup$ sorry not sure why I didn't upvote this all those years ago. Cheers! :) $\endgroup$
    – akozi
    Commented Oct 10, 2023 at 14:56

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