Young's double slit experiment

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the setup and execution of Young's double slit experiment using a diode laser. Participants explore the conditions necessary for coherence and the implications of the experiment in demonstrating quantum behavior of light.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that any setup is acceptable as long as the light is coherent when it reaches the slits.
  • Another participant proposes a specific experiment involving a photomultiplier, emphasizing the importance of enclosing the setup to prevent external light interference and attenuating the laser to achieve single-photon conditions.
  • A question is raised regarding the optimal distance between the two slits, indicating a potential variable in the experiment.
  • One participant notes that the optimal distance may depend on the wavelength of the radiation, suggesting a threshold of 10 μm but expresses uncertainty about this claim.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the optimal distance between the slits, and there is uncertainty regarding the specific conditions necessary for the experiment.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the wavelength of the radiation and the lack of detailed mathematical analysis regarding the setup and measurements.

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What would be the best set up to repeat Young's double slit experiment with a diode laser?
 
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As long as the light is coherent when it hits the slits, any set up should be fine.

A good experiment to try if you have a photomultiplier is to enclose the experiment so no light can get in. Attenuate the laser until only one photon is present in the box at anyone time (on average). Scan the photomultiplier across the interferance pattern and show that it matches the pattern that would be expected for a macroscopic wave traveling through the slits.

It is a simple illustration of the quantum behaviour of light.

Claude.
 
Sounds like a good experiment...either way, is there an optimum distance to have between the two slits?
 
Though it should depend on the wavelength of the radiation,I guess anything below [tex]10\mu m[/tex] would do.

I may be wrong,i'm just another ordinary theorist.
 

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