Designing An Electron Beam Gun for Two-Slits Experiment

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the design of an electron beam gun for the two-slit experiment, specifically questioning whether the gun's emission point can be reduced to the size of an electron. It highlights the significance of conducting the experiment in a vacuum to prevent interference from other particles, as well as the necessity of various detectors like photographic film and scintillation screens. The conversation also notes that the interference pattern can be observed from a Josephson junction of a superconductor, indicating that this phenomenon is not limited to free electrons in a vacuum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly wave-particle duality.
  • Familiarity with the two-slit experiment methodology and its historical context.
  • Knowledge of vacuum systems and their importance in particle physics experiments.
  • Experience with various detection methods used in quantum experiments, such as photographic film and scintillation screens.
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  • Research the design and functionality of electron beam guns in quantum experiments.
  • Study the principles of wave-particle duality and its implications in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the role of vacuum systems in particle physics and how they affect experimental outcomes.
  • Investigate the use of Josephson junctions in demonstrating quantum interference patterns.
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Physicists, quantum mechanics researchers, and students interested in experimental physics, particularly those focusing on the two-slit experiment and electron behavior.

masonstjon
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Can an electron beam gun be made to where the very end of the gun (the end that the electron is emitted from) can be made to be the exact size of an electron?

The reason I ask is this: In attempts to discover how an electron travels through the two-slits experiement, it was determined that the electron has "wave-like" properties. This was one of the big steps toward quantum mechanics.

But...How were these experiments truly performed? Did they have the electron gun, the two slits, the measuring plate behind in a completely vacuumed room with no other particles whatsoever in it. And was the gun point made to be the size of an electron?

If not, then any of the aformentioned items could have changed the results. Since Electrons are sooooo small, then even the gun's barrel could have allowed the electron to have "bounced" around before being emitted. This could easily change the resulting position of the electron.

And finally, has the two-slits experiment been done with measuring plates fully circling the entire experiement area to measure where electrons might have ended up?
 
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The electron can enter the apparatus as a plane wave and still exhibit the interference pattern, so it doesn't have to come from a point source. The two slit experiment has been done with several kinds of detectors, photograpic film, scintillation screens etc.. And yes, for the electron the experiment has to be carried out in a vacuum.
 
Tyger said:
The electron can enter the apparatus as a plane wave and still exhibit the interference pattern, so it doesn't have to come from a point source. The two slit experiment has been done with several kinds of detectors, photograpic film, scintillation screens etc.. And yes, for the electron the experiment has to be carried out in a vacuum.

The interference pattern has also been observed from a josephson junction of a superconductor, so this phenomena is not restricted to free electrons moving in vacuum alone.

Zz.
 
Thank you ZapperZ, for adding that. I hadn't thought of that possibility.
 
Thanks gang!
 

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