One by one photon delay in double slit experiment

In summary, in a 'one photon at a time' double slit experiment, the interference pattern will still emerge even if the time delay between individual photon emissions is increased to minutes or even hours. However, if a laser beam is momentarily emitted between the slits and the detector screen, the interference pattern may be eliminated.
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hkonstas
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In a 'one photon at a time' double slit experiment, does the interference pattern still emerges if the time delay between individual photon emissions is increased to minutes or even hours?
 
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hkonstas said:
In a 'one photon at a time' double slit experiment, does the interference pattern still emerges if the time delay between individual photon emissions is increased to minutes or even hours?
Yes, one dot a time.
 
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Thank you for your reply. I am a beginner in Quantum physics and I am both amazed and perplexed with the double slit experiments. So theoretically the delay can even span for years and the interference pattern will still emerge.

I have one last question: in the same double slit experiment, within the time frame between single photon emissions, if we were to emit momentarily a laser beam between the slit and the detector screen, would that eliminate the interference pattern?

For example:

1- Emission of 1 photon through the double slit.
2-The photon hits the detection screen
3-A laser beam passes between the detection screen and the slits (wave scrambling?)
4-Another photon is emmited.

And so on.. would the interference pattern still emerge?
 

1. What is the double slit experiment?

The double slit experiment is a classic physics experiment that demonstrates the wave-particle duality of light. It involves shining a beam of light through two closely spaced slits and observing the interference pattern that is created on a screen behind the slits.

2. What is the one by one photon delay in the double slit experiment?

The one by one photon delay refers to the phenomenon in the double slit experiment where photons, when sent through the slits one at a time, still create an interference pattern on the screen. This suggests that photons behave as both particles and waves.

3. How does the one by one photon delay occur?

The one by one photon delay occurs because individual photons are able to interfere with themselves, creating a wave-like pattern as they pass through the two slits. This interference occurs due to the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics.

4. What implications does the one by one photon delay have?

The one by one photon delay in the double slit experiment has important implications for our understanding of the nature of light and the behavior of particles at the quantum level. It challenges our classical understanding of particles and forces us to consider the possibility that particles can also behave as waves.

5. How is the one by one photon delay relevant to other areas of science?

The one by one photon delay has implications beyond just the study of light and quantum mechanics. It has also been observed in other areas, such as electron diffraction and even in biological systems. This phenomenon has allowed scientists to better understand the behavior of particles and waves in various systems, leading to advancements in fields such as nanotechnology and biophysics.

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