Decoherence versus entropy in neutron interferometry - art. no. 052108

We analyze the coherence properties of polarized neutrons, after they have interacted with a magnetic field or a phase shifter undergoing different ki nds of statistical fluctuations. We endeavor to probe the degree of disorde r of the distribution of the phase shifts by means of the loss of quantum-m echanical coherence of the neutron. We find that the notion of entropy of t he shifts and that of decoherence of the neutron do not necessarily agree. In some cases: the neutron wave function is more coherent, even though it h as interacted with a more disordered medium.