Double Slit Simulator: Online Visualization & Path Variations

If you can't, then you get interference.In summary, there are several online simulators available for visualizing double slit interference, such as those listed above. These simulators allow for variations of different polarizers before each slit. However, there is currently no one simulator that covers every possible eventuality. The general rule for interference is that if you can distinguish which path the light took, there will be no interference. If the path cannot be determined, then interference will occur.
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Is there an online simulator which can be used to visualize the double slit interference? I know this can be done via equations, but as I am working with my kids on this, I prefer visual and want to add variations of different polarizers before each slit.

If no simulator available, any assistance with the following would be greatly appreciated.
Would there be an interference pattern with unpolarized light input and no path observation if :
a: The upper path before the slit has a vertical polarizer/45 deg polarizer/horizontal polarizer
b: The lower path before the slit has a horizontal polarizer/45 deg polarizer/horizontal polarizer

Seems like the answer would be no interference, but want to verify...
 
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Have you tried googling for "double slit simulator"?
http://phys.educ.ksu.edu/vqm/html/doubleslit/
http://www.opensourcephysics.org/items/detail.cfm?ID=11546
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/quantum-wave-interference

... there are also animations demonstrating the physics.
To my knowledge there are none that cover every possible eventuality, freely available, but the math is out there.
https://arxiv.org/pdf/1312.6942.pdf

Short answer: if you can distinguish which path was taken, then no interference.
 
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1. What is a double slit simulator?

A double slit simulator is an online tool used to visualize the interference pattern created by light passing through two slits. It allows users to manipulate different parameters such as the distance between the slits and the wavelength of light to see how it affects the resulting pattern.

2. How does the double slit simulator work?

The double slit simulator uses the principles of wave interference to create the resulting pattern. When light passes through the two slits, it creates two sources of light that interfere with each other, resulting in a pattern of bright and dark spots on the screen.

3. What are the applications of the double slit simulator?

The double slit simulator has many applications, including helping students understand the concept of wave interference and diffraction, and aiding researchers in studying the behavior of light in different scenarios.

4. Can the double slit simulator be used for other types of waves?

Yes, the double slit simulator can also be used to simulate the interference patterns of other types of waves, such as sound waves and water waves. It follows the same principles of wave interference for all types of waves.

5. Is the double slit simulator an accurate representation of real-life experiments?

While the double slit simulator provides a good visualization of the interference pattern, it is not a perfect representation of real-life experiments. Factors such as diffraction and imperfections in the slits can affect the accuracy of the simulation.

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