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 article outlines the preparation of a class of mixed states, called pseudo-pure states, that emulate pure quantum states in highly mixed solution-state NMR samples. It also describes the NMR observation of spinor behavior in spin ½ nuclei, the simulation of wave function collapse using a magnetic field gradient, the creation of entangled (i.e., Bell) pseudo-pure states, and a brief discussion of quantum computing logic gates including the Quantum Fourier Transform. These experiments show that solution-state NMR can be used to demonstrate quantum dynamics at a level suitable for laboratory exercises. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson 11: 225–238, 1999