Observations of Quantum Dynamics by Solution-State NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract

NMR is emerging as a valuable testbed for the investigation of foundational questions in quantum mechanics. The present paper outlines the preparation of a class of mixed states, called pseudo-pure states, that emulate pure quantum states in the highly mixed environment typically used to describe solution-state NMR samples. It also describes the NMR observation of spinor behavior in spin 1/2 nuclei, the simulation of wave function collapse using a magnetic field gradient, the creation of entangled (or Bell) pseudo-pure states, and a brief discussion of quantum computing logic gates, including the Quantum Fourier Transform. These experiments show that liquid-state NMR can be used to demonstrate quantum dynamics at a level suitable for laboratory exercises.