Double slits separation & electron field size

In summary, the separation of the slits for sending an electron through a double slit experiment is not limited by the size of the initial electron field, but rather by the practical consideration of positioning the slits close enough to the electron gun's aim for a detectable pattern to be formed on the screen. The electron field will spread to infinity, but the farther away the slits are, the lower the probability of the electron passing through them and being detected. This is why the slits must be placed within the high probability region for the experiment to be successful.
  • #1
Varon
548
1
Supposed you want to send an electron to a double slit. What must be the separation of the slits if they are say 1 meter away?

What is the size of the initial electron field? When it travels to the slits, does the electron field expand in size? Why?

I'm asking this because I'd like to know if the initial electron field emitted from the emitter can become larger than the slits separation when it reach the slits.

Schrodinger preferred the pictures of waves representing particles but Lorentz made him realized that waves can spread. How come Schrodinger didn't think in terms of field that naturally spread (if it does)?

Note in this message I simply wanted to understand the field extend and behavior of the electron, not the behavior of the wave function. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Assuming that when you say "the electron field" you mean the probability of finding the electron at a given point... the electron field spreads out to infinity and therefore you can place the slits as far apart as you wish. However, the farther away you go, the lower the probability of function nding the electron there will be. So in practice if you position the slits too far away and out of the high probability region (which is where your electron gun is pointing) most of the electrons will miss the slits and be absorbed by the barrier; the pattern on the screen will be undetectably weak because you just don't have enough electrons coming through.

Thus when we're designing these experiments we want to position the slits close enough to where we're aiming that we can get an easily detectable pattern.
 

1. What is the double slit experiment and why is it important in science?

The double slit experiment is a fundamental experiment in physics that demonstrates the wave-like behavior of particles, such as electrons. It involves shining a beam of particles through two parallel slits and observing the resulting interference pattern. This experiment is important because it helps us understand the dual nature of particles and the principles of quantum mechanics.

2. How does the separation between the double slits affect the interference pattern?

The separation between the double slits plays a crucial role in determining the interference pattern. The wider the separation, the smaller the distance between the bright and dark fringes in the interference pattern. Conversely, a smaller separation between the slits will result in a wider distance between the fringes.

3. Does the size of the electron field affect the interference pattern in the double slit experiment?

Yes, the size of the electron field can affect the interference pattern. The size of the field is determined by the energy of the electron, and a higher energy electron will have a larger field. This larger field can cause a wider interference pattern, resulting in a wider distance between the fringes.

4. How do the principles of diffraction and interference play a role in the double slit experiment?

The double slit experiment relies on the principles of both diffraction and interference. Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles, and in this case, the two slits act as obstacles for the particles. Interference occurs when two or more waves overlap and create a new wave pattern, which is what happens when the particles pass through the two slits and interfere with each other.

5. Can the double slit experiment be used to study other particles besides electrons?

Yes, the double slit experiment has been performed with other particles, such as photons, neutrons, and even molecules. It is a versatile experiment that can be used to study the wave-like behavior of various particles and has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of quantum mechanics.

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