Quantum Mechanics: The story of the electron spin

By Dragica Vasileska1; Gerhard Klimeck2

1. Arizona State University 2. Purdue University

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Abstract

One of the most remarkable discoveries associated with quantum physics is the fact that elementary particles can possess non-zero spin. Elementary particles are particles that cannot be divided into any smaller units, such as the photon, the electron, and the various quarks. Theoretical and experimental studies have shown that the spin possessed by these particles cannot be explained by postulating that they are made up of even smaller particles rotating about a common center of mass (see classical electron radius); as far as can be determined, these elementary particles are true point particles. The spin that they carry is a truly intrinsic physical property, akin to a particle's electric charge and mass. in the slides provided we present some applications of spin in nanoelectronics.

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Cite this work

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

  • www.eas.asu.edu/~vasilesk
  • Dragica Vasileska, Gerhard Klimeck (2008), "Quantum Mechanics: The story of the electron spin," https://nanohub.org/resources/4996.

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