https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-024-04956-z
Regular Article
The intricate path of energy conservation in quantum mechanics: exploring coherent population return and laser–matter interaction
Universidad Internacional de la Rioja, UNIR, Logroño, Spain
Received:
21
August
2023
Accepted:
28
January
2024
Published online:
21
February
2024
This manuscript explores how a seemingly straightforward inquiry, emerging from the widely accepted semiclassical description of laser–matter interaction, concretely from a well-known adiabatic technique as coherent population return (CPR), can pose a challenge to our comprehension of a fundamental principle in Physics such as energy conservation. Throughout our investigation to resolve this apparent paradox, we have delved into fundamental concepts, thereby deepening our understanding of the aspects inherent to the formalism of Quantum Mechanics. We emphasize that the significance of attaining a conclusive answer extends beyond the answer itself, encompassing the illuminating journey undertaken to reach it. Consequently, our work holds educational value as it aims to foster a deeper understanding of the phenomenon by elucidating the process employed. This approach not only aids students in grasping the subject matter but also enhances our own understanding of laser–matter interaction and the counterintuitive phenomena that continuously defied our understanding of Quantum Mechanics.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.