Double Slit Experiment: History & First Time Made by Electrons

In summary, there is some discrepancy about when the double-slit experiment was first conducted using electrons. While Brian Greene's film mentions the nineteenth or twentieth century, other sources such as a 1961 experiment and a 1974 experiment suggest a later date. It is important to note that the 1937 Nobel Prize for Physics was awarded for an experiment involving electron diffraction, which may be what Greene is referring to.
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Safinaz said:
Hi all,

I'd like to ask what was the first time the double- slit experiment have been made by electrons. In Brian Greene's film:


It's said to be in nineteenth twentieth, while at other webpages as:

http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/2013/mar/14/feynmans-double-slit-experiment-gets-a-makeover

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment

it's said to be in 1961 or 1974. So what is true ?

S.

The experiment Brian Greene refers to is electron diffraction which won the 1937 Nobel Prize for Physics.
The 1961 experiment is a double slit experiment with a beam of electrons, the 1974 experiment is a double slit experiment using a single electron.
 

What is the double slit experiment?

The double slit experiment is a physics experiment that demonstrates the concept of wave-particle duality. It involves sending a beam of particles, such as electrons, through two parallel slits onto a screen and observing the resulting pattern.

Who first conducted the double slit experiment?

The double slit experiment was first conducted by English scientist Thomas Young in 1801. He used light instead of electrons and observed the characteristic interference pattern on the screen.

When was the first time the double slit experiment was made by electrons?

The first time the double slit experiment was made by electrons was in 1927 by American physicist Clinton J. Davisson and Lester H. Germer. They confirmed the wave-like behavior of electrons, further supporting the concept of wave-particle duality.

Why is the double slit experiment important?

The double slit experiment is important because it provides evidence for the wave-particle duality of matter. It also illustrates the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics and has implications for our understanding of the fundamental nature of reality.

How has the double slit experiment been used in modern science?

The double slit experiment has been used in modern science to study the behavior of other particles, such as atoms and molecules. It has also been used to test the principles of quantum mechanics and has practical applications in fields such as electronics, microscopy, and quantum computing.

Similar threads

I "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
36
Views
1K
B Double Slit Experiment: Dumb question that needs to be asked
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
60
Views
3K
B Double slit experiment, expensive gear?
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
49
Views
3K
B Double slit experiment with electrons
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
17
Views
1K
B 2D-cross-double-slit experiments for understanding quantum world
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
760
B Understanding The Conscious Observer: Young's Double Slit Experiment
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
32
Views
4K
B How does the double slit experiment prove super position?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
10
Views
3K
I Double Slit Experiment: Questions Raised & Explanations Needed
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
49
Views
5K
Mind over matter reality or myth?
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
54
Views
9K
B Delayed choice experiment and FTL communication
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
15
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top