Conditions for Double-Slit Interference in Quantum Mechanics

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conditions necessary for double-slit interference (DSI) in quantum mechanics, specifically emphasizing the importance of three key factors: same frequencies, parallel polarization, and constant phase differences. The participants assert that these conditions remain relevant even when considering individual photons, as the interference pattern emerges over time. The conversation highlights a discrepancy between classical interpretations and quantum mechanics literature, where these conditions are often overlooked. The need for a coherent source, even when using electrons in DSI experiments, is also acknowledged.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of double-slit interference (DSI)
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics principles
  • Knowledge of wave-particle duality
  • Basic concepts of polarization and phase differences
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of coherence in quantum interference experiments
  • Study the mathematical formulations of creation and annihilation operators in quantum field theory
  • Explore the implications of polarization in quantum optics
  • Investigate the differences between classical and quantum interpretations of light behavior
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, optics, and wave-particle duality, will benefit from this discussion.

Robert_G
Messages
36
Reaction score
0
Hi, there

Today, a friend came to me and asked the following questions and they made me confused.
If the source is strong, the light has to be considered as wave, and the double-slit interference (DSI) can be interpreted, and the conditions for the DSI is (1) same frequencies, (2) parallel polarization, and (3) constant phase differences.

If the source is week, one photon after one photon, for example. DSI will give us spots at the beginning; but give it a long time, the pattern will be formed.

Both of us never check it in the laboratory, we just read it from the book. However, In the "Quantum Mechanics" books, the above three conditions never be mentioned, As if those conditions does not mattered anymore.

In my opinion, All the three conditions are still needed. The character of frequency, polarization and phase difference are still with photons. Just look at the formulas of the creation and annihilation operators for the field. However, I can explain what the frequency, polarization and phase difference means to the particles (photons here), So I can not convince him, and my dear friend insists that those three conditions fade away in Quantum mechanics.

If we use the electrons in the DSI experiment, the coherent source is still need, right?

So, what you think?
 
Science news on Phys.org
Dear me, I put my questions in the wrong place, here is classical physics, what should i do?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
15K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
21K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
55
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K