Quick Navigation
Topics
Open Quantum Systems Decoherence
Understanding quantum behaviors of an electron in a uniform magnetic field alternatively
arXiv
Authors: Jin-Ming Wang, Yuan-Zao Gao, Dai-Lin Cun, Jian Jing
Year
2026
Paper ID
68743
Status
Preprint
Abstract Read
~2 min
Abstract Words
164
Citations
N/A
Abstract
Quantum mechanically, an electron moving in a uniform magnetic field forms Landau levels. A curious feature is that for states with a negative angular quantum number, the total probability current vanishes, which appears to contradict the classical picture of cyclotron motion. While a geometric interpretation based on classical orbits exists, alternative interpretations remain of interest. In this paper, we examine the probability current density and identify a critical radius that naturally partitions the plane into an inner clockwise-flow region and an outer counterclockwise-flow region. We show that the vanishing total current results from an exact cancellation between these two regions. Furthermore, by defining a partitioned kinetic angular momentum with respect to the critical radius, we reveal an intrinsic competitive structure: the electron simultaneously carries two opposing rotational components. The negative quantum number manifests in the strength of the inner counter-rotation, while the net kinetic angular momentum remains positive. This bidirectional flow picture also provides a dynamical interpretation of the infinite degeneracy of Landau levels.
Why This Paper Matters
- This paper contributes to the Open Quantum Systems & Decoherence research area in the Quantum Articles archive.
- It adds a 2026 reference point for readers tracking recent quantum research.
- Quantum mechanically, an electron moving in a uniform magnetic field forms Landau levels.
Paper Tools
Become a member to use research tools
Sign in to open papers, visit source links, share, cite, compare, copy DOI links, request category corrections, and build your reading list.
Show Paper arXiv Publisher Share
Cite This Paper
Copy URL
Compare
Copy DOI Add to Reading List
Category Correction Request
Category Correction Request
Help us improve classification quality by proposing a better category. Every request is reviewed by an admin.
Sign in to submit a category correction request for this paper.
Log In to SubmitReferences & Citation Signals
Community Reactions
Quick sentiment from readers on this paper.
Score:
0
Likes: 0
Dislikes: 0
Sign in to react to this paper.
Discussion & Reviews (Moderated)
Average Rating: 0.0 / 5 (0 ratings)
No written reviews yet.