EXPERIMENTAL TEST OF A QUANTUM-LIKE THEORY: MOTION OF ELECTRONS IN A UNIFORM MAGNETIC FIELD, IN A VARIABLE POTENTIAL WELL

Abstract

We describe an experiment to test a quantum-like theory which predicts quantum-like behavior for an ensemble of electrons in a classical configuration with static magnetic and electric fields. Some of the earlier experiments had supporting evidence for anomalous, quantum-like effects in such a situation showing systematic modulations of electron current when a retarding potential is varied, even though the quantum wavelength of the electrons in such a configuration was less than a billionth of the spatial width of the potential well. Our experiment conclusively rules out any nonclassical, quantum-like behavior in electron transmission through simple electric barriers, when magnetic fields are present. We identify secondary electrons generated at various electrodes as the main source of apparent anomalous behavior. We also present a classical derivation of the quantum-like equation describing the modulations.