Half silvered mirror experiments

In summary: This allows the photon to always end up in the same detector. The uncertainty is eliminated because the photon can only go one way. The experimenter can manipulate the interference pattern to cancel out any quantum jitters, allowing the photon to be aimed at a specific location. In summary, using Wheeler's delayed choice experimental setup, the path length of one leg can be adjusted to make all photons end up at one detector. This eliminates uncertainty and allows for manipulation of the interference pattern to aim the photons at specific locations.
  • #1
erwinskat
5
0
Can I ask a stupid q? Using Wheeler's delayed choice experimental setup, one can vary the path length of one of the legs. This enables making all the photons end up at one detector and none at the other. Is this correct? If so, where did the uncertainty go? Can the interference pattern be manipulated by the experimenter to essentially cancel out the quantum jitters so the photons can be aimed at a silver atom or between silver atoms?
Thanks in advance your help.
 
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  • #2
In my opinion, the working mechanism of a beam splitter doesn't have to do with aiming the photon at the silver atoms or between them. All silver atoms may have a cross-section for the process of scattering/absorbing the photon, and is this cross-section which provides the statistical character of this system.

Adjusting the legs of the interferometer produces quantum interference which cancels out one of the channels, leaving to the photon just one way to go, just one way to be scattered.
 
  • #3
DaTario said:
In my opinion, the working mechanism of a beam splitter doesn't have to do with aiming the photon at the silver atoms or between them. All silver atoms may have a cross-section for the process of scattering/absorbing the photon, and is this cross-section which provides the statistical character of this system.

Adjusting the legs of the interferometer produces quantum interference which cancels out one of the channels, leaving to the photon just one way to go, just one way to be scattered.

Thank-you DaTario :smile:

Can you address why the one way the photon can go can be made to repeat every time the experiment is done? :confused:
 
  • #4
Interference. It was made Constructive in one channel and Destructive in the other.
 

1. What is a half silvered mirror?

A half silvered mirror, also known as a semi-silvered mirror or a beam splitter, is a type of mirror that is partially coated with a thin layer of silver on one side. This allows some light to pass through while reflecting the rest, creating a semi-transparent surface.

2. How are half silvered mirrors used in experiments?

Half silvered mirrors are commonly used in experiments involving optics and light. They can be used to split a beam of light into two separate paths, allowing for the manipulation and observation of the light. They are also used in interferometers and other experiments that require precise control of light waves.

3. What is the principle behind half silvered mirror experiments?

The principle behind half silvered mirror experiments is based on the fact that silver is highly reflective, but also allows some light to pass through. By controlling the thickness of the silver coating, scientists can manipulate how much light is reflected and transmitted through the mirror.

4. What are some common applications of half silvered mirror experiments?

Half silvered mirror experiments have numerous applications in science, including in spectroscopy, microscopy, and holography. They are also used in various optical instruments such as telescopes, cameras, and laser systems.

5. Are there any limitations to using half silvered mirrors in experiments?

One limitation of using half silvered mirrors is that they can introduce some distortion or loss of light in the path of the beam. Additionally, the thickness and quality of the silver coating can affect the accuracy and precision of the experiment results. Careful calibration and handling of the mirrors is necessary to minimize these limitations.

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