Can Single Photons Produce Interference Patterns in Young's Experiment?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether a single photon can produce an interference pattern in Young's interference experiment. It explores concepts related to quantum physics, including the behavior of photons and theoretical implications involving parallel universes and dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether a single photon can yield an interference pattern in Young's experiment.
  • Another participant explains that a single photon will initially create just one spot on the detector, but as more photons are sent, an interference pattern will emerge based on the probability distribution of the photon arrivals.
  • Some participants reference a claim from a fictional source suggesting that a photon from a parallel universe could interfere with the photon from our universe, linking this idea to multiple dimensions and string theory.
  • There is a challenge to the credibility of the fictional source, emphasizing that it should not be taken as a scientifically valid explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the fictional source's claims, with some emphasizing the need for realism in discussing such ideas. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the validity of the claims made in the fictional context.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the interpretation of interference patterns and the implications of parallel universes, as well as the credibility of fictional sources in scientific discussions.

extreme_machinations
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I Read This In A Michael Crichton Book ,and I Want Someone To Confirm This :
If A Single Photon Is Used In A Young's Interfreence Experiment Would It A Still Yeild An Interference Pattern ?
 
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By the way, it would have been better to post your question in the Quantum Physics forum. Don't be surprised if one of the moderators moves this thread there.

With a single photon, you'll get just a single spot on the screen or detector, and won't be able to see an interference pattern. However, the probability that the photon arrives at various locations on the screen follows the interference pattern, so if you then send more photons, one after the other, the interference pattern will build up, point by point. Here's an example from an actual experiment:

http://ophelia.princeton.edu/~page/single_photon.html
 
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But Crichton Claims That Along With A Photon From A Our Universe Ther'd Be Another One From A Parallel Universe Which 'd Interfere With It To Produce The Pattern , I Sense That Its Got Something To Do With Multiple Dimensions And String Theory .
 
extreme_machinations said:
But Crichton Claims That Along With A Photon From A Our Universe Ther'd Be Another One From A Parallel Universe Which 'd Interfere With It To Produce The Pattern , I Sense That Its Got Something To Do With Multiple Dimensions And String Theory .

I'm sorry, but please pay attention to your SOURCE! It's a fiction! He has no obligation to make this ideas physically sound!

I know you're trying to get clarification of the stuff he's using in his book, but you must also, on your part, be REALISTIC in asking such questions and putting THIS MUCH emphasis and credibility of the "physics" done from such sources.

BTW, is there a way for you to STOP typing the way you are doing now? I know it can be done because I HAVE seen your posting without this annoying capitalization.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
I'm sorry, but please pay attention to your SOURCE! It's a fiction! He has no obligation to make this ideas physically sound!
I know you're trying to get clarification of the stuff he's using in his book, but you must also, on your part, be REALISTIC in asking such questions and putting THIS MUCH emphasis and credibility of the "physics" done from such sources.
BTW, is there a way for you to STOP typing the way you are doing now? I know it can be done because I HAVE seen your posting without this annoying capitalization.
Zz.
:smile: :smile: :smile:
 

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