Cathode ray create interference pattern?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of creating an interference pattern using a cathode ray tube (CRT) with a focused electron beam directed at a double slit. It is established that while it is theoretically possible to observe an interference pattern, the extremely small wavelength of electrons (approximately 12.3 picometers at 10 kV) necessitates slits that are impractically fine, far beyond the resolution of the naked eye. The conversation highlights the challenges of constructing such a setup at home, particularly in fabricating the slits accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cathode ray tubes (CRTs)
  • Knowledge of electron diffraction principles
  • Familiarity with wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Basic skills in precision fabrication techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research electron diffraction techniques and their applications in crystallography
  • Explore the principles of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the construction and operation of cathode ray tubes
  • Investigate precision machining methods for creating fine slits
USEFUL FOR

Physics enthusiasts, experimental physicists, and educators interested in demonstrating quantum mechanics principles through practical experiments.

danphan323
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
If I were to construct a cathode ray tube in which the beam of electrons was focused on a double slit, behind which was a screen of phosphorous, could I create an interference pattern?
Could this setup be made at home? I imagine making the slits would be the most difficult part. Or is this experiment fundamentally flawed in some way?
 
Science news on Phys.org
You could get an interference pattern, but the wavelength of electrons is so small the slits would have to be very very finely spaced (think: too finely spaced to see with the naked eye) for the pattern to be readily visible. Consider that the wavelength of light is around 0.5 micrometers and the slits have to be about the thickness of a human hair apart to get a nice clean interference pattern. Now consider that the wavelength of an electron at 10 kV (i.e. typical output of cathode ray tube) is about 12.3 picometers!

This page has a lot more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_diffraction

Electron diffraction is used to study crystals, as the spacing between atoms is on the order of the required length needed to produce diffraction.
 
Thanks for your response, that makes perfect sense
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
11K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K