Delayed quantum eraser with double slit

In summary, the setup has two possible setups: one with interference and one without. The interference setup is the correct one, but the without setup does not work.
  • #1
Edgardo
706
17
Hello all,

I saw this setup for a quantum eraser:
http://grad.physics.sunysb.edu/~amarch/PHY5656.gif
In this setup, we get no interference:
http://grad.physics.sunysb.edu/~amarch/PHY5658.gif

Then, by inserting a polarizer we can erase the which way information:
Setup with polarizer:
http://grad.physics.sunysb.edu/~amarch/PHY5657.gif
With this setup there is interference:
http://grad.physics.sunysb.edu/~amarch/PHY5653.gif

Let's forget about the coincidence counter.
We put our detector for photon p (idler photon) on the Mars with Bob, such that we have a delayed choice experiment. And Alice is the one who looks at the screen to observe the photon distribution.

Now my question: Alice writes down the photon distribution BEFORE Bob measures the idler photon. Since we have not erased the which-way information yet, we get NO interference pattern, so Alice writes down: "I have not observed interference".
Then, when the idler photons arrive Mars, Bob decides to erase which-way information of EVERY idler photon by putting in the polarizer. According to the "delayed quantum erasure" the photons should show an interference pattern, but we know that Alice already has written down: "I have no interference pattern"

How can this be?

-------------------------------------------
Here the whole description to that experiment
http://grad.physics.sunysb.edu/~amarch/
 
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  • #2
Edgardo said:
How can this be?

As I read the setup, the interference pattern is seen when the coincidence results are plotted. There is no "Alice pattern" apart from the "Bob" pattern. The pattern appears only when the results are compared.
 
  • #3
Thx Dr. Chinese!
I think I now found the mistake in my gedankenexperiment. It's NOT possible to erase the which-way-information of EVERY single idler photon. There's only a certain probability that the idler photon's state will collapse to the polarizer's eigenstate.
I forgot about the quantum probabilities. :redface:
 
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1. What is a delayed quantum eraser with double slit?

A delayed quantum eraser with double slit is a type of experiment in quantum physics that involves observing the behavior of particles passing through a double slit and using a delayed measurement to determine their path.

2. How does a delayed quantum eraser with double slit work?

In this experiment, a beam of particles is directed towards a double slit, creating an interference pattern on a screen behind the slits. A detector is placed in one of the slits to determine which slit the particles pass through. However, the information about which slit the particles went through is only recorded and revealed after the particles have already passed through the slits. This delayed measurement allows for the interference pattern to reappear, even though the particles' paths were initially measured.

3. What is the significance of the delayed quantum eraser with double slit experiment?

This experiment challenges our understanding of the relationship between cause and effect in quantum mechanics. It suggests that an observation or measurement made in the present can affect the behavior of particles in the past, which goes against our classical understanding of cause and effect. It also supports the concept of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics.

4. What practical applications does the delayed quantum eraser with double slit have?

While this experiment may not have direct practical applications, it has important implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics and the nature of reality. It also has potential applications in quantum communication and quantum computing, as it demonstrates the ability to manipulate particles after they have already passed through a double slit.

5. Are there any controversies or criticisms surrounding the delayed quantum eraser with double slit experiment?

Some scientists have raised concerns about the reliability and validity of the results from this experiment, as it is difficult to control all variables and ensure accurate measurements. Others have argued that the delayed quantum eraser with double slit does not necessarily prove backwards causation, as the particles' paths were never directly observed. Further research and experimentation is needed to fully understand the implications of this experiment.

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