Quantenzustandstomographie

A quantum state is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, describing the condition of a quantum system. Unlike classical states, which can be precisely determined, quantum states are probabilistic and can exist in multiple configurations simultaneously, a phenomenon known as superposition. This is encapsulated in the wave function, a mathematical description that provides the probabilities of different outcomes when measurements are made.

Quantum states are not directly observable; instead, they are inferred through measurements. The act of measurement collapses the wave function into one of the possible states, a process known as wave function collapse. This collapse is inherently probabilistic, meaning that the outcome of a measurement cannot be predicted with certainty before it is made.

Quantum states can be represented in various ways, including as vectors in a complex vector space known as Hilbert space. The evolution of a quantum state over time is governed by the Schrödinger equation, which describes how the wave function changes under the influence of a Hamiltonian operator, representing the total energy of the system.

Quantum states can be entangled, meaning that the state of one particle can be dependent on the state of another, even if the particles are separated by large distances. This phenomenon, known as quantum entanglement, has been experimentally verified and is a cornerstone of quantum information theory.

In summary, quantum states are the building blocks of quantum mechanics, representing the probabilistic nature of quantum systems. They are described by wave functions, evolve according to the Schrödinger equation, and can be entangled, leading to the counterintuitive phenomena that distinguish quantum mechanics from classical physics.