Reconstruction of spin states and its conceptual implications

Abstract

State reconstruction for quantum spins is reviewed. Emphasis is on non-tomographic approaches which are based on measurements performed with a Stern-Gerlach apparatus. Two consequences of successfully implemented state reconstruction are pointed out. First, it allows one to determine experimentally the expectation value of an arbitrary operator without a device measuring it. Second, state reconstruction suggests a reformulation of Schroedinger's equation in terms of expectation values only, without explicit reference to a wave function or a density operator.