Quantum Eraser experiment reproduced at home

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Discussion Overview

This discussion revolves around a home reproduction of the Quantum Eraser experiment, exploring the concept of quantum weirdness through a DIY setup involving polarized film, a thin wire, and a red laser pointer. The scope includes experimental demonstration and conceptual exploration of quantum mechanics principles.

Discussion Character

  • Experimental/applied
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the setup and initial results of their Quantum Eraser experiment, referencing a Scientific American article as inspiration.
  • Another participant expresses the need for more detailed explanations accompanying the photos to understand the experiment better.
  • The original poster acknowledges the request for elaboration and indicates plans to provide more detailed descriptions in future posts.
  • A subsequent post includes a photo of the experimental apparatus, detailing the components used, such as the thin wire and polarizers.
  • A participant shares a link to a more comprehensive post that includes additional photos and detailed text about the experiment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that more elaboration is needed for clarity, but there is no consensus on the adequacy of the initial presentation. The discussion remains open for further contributions and clarifications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion currently lacks detailed explanations of the experimental steps and the underlying quantum mechanics principles, which may affect understanding. The reliance on visual aids without accompanying text has been noted as a limitation.

fizixfan
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I'm just posting the bare bones of this experiment to begin with, as it was quite the task just to attach all the photos in the proper order. But this is about quantum weirdness, and how it can be demonstrated at home with polarized film, a straight piece of thin wire, and a red laser pointer. It's based on an article in Scientific American from April 14, 2007 called "A Do-It-Yourself Quantum Eraser." I think I've done this properly and I'm fairly satisfied with the results.

I will elaborate on this in the near future. For now, I hope the pictures can speak for themselves.

DSC_1889_Apparatus_single_wire_diffraction_combined_50_1232x816.jpg

Figure 1. Apparatus (red laser pointer, single wire only without path labeler, & diffraction pattern on wall)

DSC_1886_Diffraction pattern with single wire.jpg

Figure 2. Close-up of diffraction pattern on wall from laser beam passing through single wire.

DSC_1834_Apparatus_with_path_labeler_and_collapsed_interference_pattern_50 - Copy.jpg

Figure 3. Apparatus with path labeler and collapsed diffraction pattern on wall.

DSC_1854_Interference_collapsed_by_H-V_path_labeler.jpg

Figure 4. Close-up of collapsed diffraction pattern on wall after passing through path labeler.

DSC_1864_Apparatus_with_analyzer_and_eraser_50.jpg

Figure 5. Apparatus with path labeler and analyzer with restored interference pattern on wall.

DSC_1826_Diffraction_pattern_restored_with_eraser.jpg

Figure 6. Close-up of restored diffraction pattern on wall after passing through path labeler and analyzer.
 
Last edited:
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For me, the pictures do not speak for themselves ... some elaboration at each step is required.
 
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UltrafastPED said:
For me, the pictures do not speak for themselves ... some elaboration at each step is required.

Yes, you're right. I will soon be editing this post to explain in greater detail what is happening at each step. I hope it's okay to post a "work in progress" in this forum. Bear with me, I'm new here, and I do appreciate your feedback. It keeps me motivated!
 
Here is a photo of the apparatus used in this experiment - a thin wire with orthogonal polarizers on either side ("path labeler"), polarized film ("analyzer") rotated at 45°relative to the path labeler, and a red laser pointer. I would have included this in the first post, but I could only upload six attachments.

DSC_1902_Quantum_eraser_apparatus.jpg
 

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