Quantum reflection is a physical phenomenon involving the reflection of a matter wave from an attractive potential. In classical physics, such a phenomenon is not possible; for instance when one magnet is pulled toward another, you do not expect one of the magnets to suddenly (i.e. before the magnets `touch') turn around and retreat in the opposite direction.
Read more about Quantum Reflection: Definition, Reflection of Slow Atoms, Single-dimensional Approximation, Experiments With Grazing Incidence, Casimir and Van Der Waals Attraction, Efficient Quantum Reflection, Ridged Mirror, Application of Quantum Reflection
Famous quotes containing the words quantum and/or reflection:
“The receipt to make a speaker, and an applauded one too, is short and easy.—Take of common sense quantum sufficit, add a little application to the rules and orders of the House, throw obvious thoughts in a new light, and make up the whole with a large quantity of purity, correctness, and elegancy of style.”
—Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694–1773)
“Men should pledge themselves to nothing; for reflection makes a liar of their resolution.”
—Sophocles (497–406/5 B.C.)