Particle Physics Seminar: A new outlook on the (non-)statistical nature of weak values

Abstract:

In this talk I will argue that a weak value of an observable is a robust property of a single pre- and postselected quantum system rather than a statistical property. During an in finitesimal time a system with a given weak value aff ects other systems as if it were in an eigenstate with eigenvalue equal to the weak value. This di ffers signifi cantly from the action of a system pre-selected only and possessing a numerically equal expectation value. I will present an experimental demonstration of the diff erence between the weak value and the expectation value on the example of photon polarization. In addition, I will discuss the extension of weak values to systems pre- and post-selected in mixed states.

Seminar Organizer: Prof. Nissan Itzhaki