Abstract

Quantum mechanics has kept since its foundation almost 70 years ago a very intriguing character. The measurement theory, the problem of the macroscopic quantum superpositions (often referred to as the "Schrödinger cat" paradox) lie at the very heart of these conceptual problems. For a very long time, these problems have been addressed through gedankenexperiments, like the ones designed by the founders of the quantum theory. The advent of new techniques in quantum optics, and particularly in cavity quantum electrodynamics, make it possible to realize some of these gedankenexperiments, and to get a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics.

© 1996 IEEE