Phys. Rev. A 68, 042105 (2003) [5 pages]Spin-dependent observable effect for free particles using the arrival time distributionReceived 16 June 2003; published 9 October 2003 The mean arrival time of free particles is computed using the quantum-mechanical probability current. This is uniquely determined in the nonrelativistic limit of Dirac equation, although the Schrödinger probability current has an inherent nonuniqueness. Since the Dirac probability current contains a spin-dependent term, an arrival time distribution based on the probability current shows an observable spin-dependent effect, even for free particles. This arises essentially from relativistic quantum dynamics, but persists even in the nonrelativistic regime. © 2003 The American Physical Society URL:
http://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevA.68.042105
DOI:
10.1103/PhysRevA.68.042105
PACS:
03.65.Ta
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