Can Protons Interact with Double Slit Construction?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interaction of protons with a double slit construction, exploring the implications of slit material on particle behavior, particularly in relation to photons and electrons. Participants examine the nature of interactions and the conditions necessary for observing interference effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question how double slits are constructed and whether electrons or photons interact with the material of the slits.
  • It is proposed that particles interacting with the slit material generally do not reach the recording device, suggesting that the slit construction does not affect interference unless the path of the particle can be determined.
  • One participant mentions a concept where an atom absorbs and re-emits a photon, questioning its relevance to the double slit effect.
  • Another participant clarifies that while photon absorption and emission can occur, it does not influence the double slit effect, particularly when the material is not transparent.
  • A participant expresses interest in understanding why photons or electrons are not affected by the slit itself.
  • Concerns are raised about the interactions within atoms, noting that atoms are mostly empty space and questioning the certainty of interactions occurring.
  • A participant inquires whether any experiments have been conducted specifically with protons in the context of double slit experiments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the interactions of particles with the slit material and the implications for the double slit effect.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding assumptions about the nature of particle interactions with slit materials, the transparency of materials used, and the conditions under which interference effects are observed. The discussion does not resolve these complexities.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring quantum mechanics, particle physics, and experimental physics, particularly in relation to wave-particle duality and interference phenomena.

julmfyysik
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
How are the double slits constructed? If you use electrons or photons then they should interact with that material or what?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
julmfyysik said:
How are the double slits constructed? If you use electrons or photons then they should interact with that material or what?

:welcome:

I think you are aware that the slits are essentially holes that the particles pass through. Particles that interact with the material itself will generally not make it to the screen or other recording device behind the slits.

The construction of the slit barrier itself does not play a role in the double slit interference effects. The variable is whether or not it is possible to determine through which slit the particle traversed.
 
I read somewhere that a atom absorbs a photon and sends out a new one, and it is possible to say something about the material in this way. I guess it was Michio Kaku who said it. Is it wrong?
 
julmfyysik said:
I read somewhere that a atom absorbs a photon and sends out a new one, and it is possible to say something about the material in this way.

This can occur, true enough. However, this behavior does not contribute to the double slit effect in any manner. When light is used, the material used is not transparent. If there is any interaction with the material, the light does not pass through. Without going into a lot of detail, it is fairly easy to control for that.
 
I would love to know the details why photon or electron can't be affected by the slit itself.
 
As far as i know, atom is mostly empty space with different forces associated with it. How can you be sure about the interactions that occur?
 
Has anyone done an experiment with protons?
 

Similar threads

High School Double-slit with movable detector screen
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
Undergrad Single vs. Double slit coherence clarification please
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Double-dark Slit Interference Pattern?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Undergrad Which-Path from Global Momentum Measurement in Double Slit
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
967
Undergrad Why is there no single slit interference when one slit is closed in a double slit experiment?
  • · Replies 55 ·
2
Replies
55
Views
6K
High School Yet another double slit thought experiment...
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Undergrad Is There A Study Showing The Observer Effect Ignoring Conscious Intent?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Undergrad "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
9K
Undergrad Double slit as a function of time
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School Double-slit experiment and time
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K