Double Slit Experiment: Magnification?

In summary, the 'double slit' experiment shows that particles passing through two slits exhibit superposition. Adding more slits does not affect the number of photons, but rather where they will be detected on the screen. The light is not magnified, and one photon will be detected for each emitted photon.
  • #1
Simon Peach
79
17
Now I was just reading about the 'double slit' experiment. So photons or electrons, atoms or other sub-atomic particles pasting through a double slit exhibit superposition. Ok got that, I hope, now if there are two double silts behind the first then four behind those two second ones and so on. Would there still be only a single photon, I think there would, but would the light be magnified?
,
 
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  • #2
One photon would be detected at the screen for each photon emitted.
If you emit eight photons, you'll get eight hits.
Where they hit will, as always, depend on how the slits are positioned and whether you're currently detecting them (at the slits) or not.

The slits don't affect the number of photons, it affects how (where) the photons show up on the screen.
 
  • #3
Simon Peach said:
second ones and so on. Would there still be only a single photon, I think there would, but would the light be magnified?

Of course.

And light would not be magnified.

Thanks
Bill
 

1. What is the double slit experiment?

The double slit experiment is a classic experiment in physics that demonstrates the wave-particle duality of light. It involves shining a beam of light through two parallel slits, which creates an interference pattern on a screen behind the slits. This pattern is only possible if light behaves as both a wave and a particle.

2. How does the double slit experiment relate to magnification?

In the double slit experiment, the distance between the two slits and the screen determines the size of the interference pattern. As the distance increases, the pattern gets larger, showing the magnification of the pattern. This demonstrates that the size of the interference pattern is directly proportional to the distance between the slits and the screen.

3. What factors affect the magnification in the double slit experiment?

The distance between the two slits and the screen is the main factor that affects the magnification in the double slit experiment. The distance between the slits also plays a role, as a smaller distance between the slits results in a larger magnification. Additionally, the wavelength of the light used and the size of the slits can also affect the magnification.

4. Can the double slit experiment be used to measure the magnification of other objects?

No, the double slit experiment is specific to light and cannot be used to measure the magnification of other objects. This is because the interference pattern is a result of the wave-like behavior of light, and other objects do not exhibit this behavior.

5. How is the double slit experiment used in practical applications?

The double slit experiment has been used in various practical applications, such as in the development of optical instruments and in the field of quantum mechanics. It has also been used to study the properties of light and to test the theories of wave-particle duality and quantum mechanics.

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