Quantum phase reinvigorated

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Abstract
The phase of a simple-harmonic vibration or wave is a useful and easily-understood concept in classical mechanics. It is the angle that determines the sinusoidal development of the motion, and it varies linearly with time, increasing by 360°(or 2π radians) over a complete cycle of oscillation. By contrast, the concept of phase in the quantum mechanics of harmonic motion has been fraught with difficulties, which have hampered its use. Recently, D T pegg and S M Barnett (Europhys. Lett. 6 483) have proposed a new definition of the quantum-mechanical phase operator, which they suggest will lead to important and far-reaching consequences.

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