- #1
San K
- 911
- 1
do all which-way attempts/techniques introduce phase difference between the "waves"?
In a double slit experiment
One hypothesis (or fairly well accepted theory?) is:
If we try to find which-way via Quarter Wave Plates (QWPs), we add a phase difference (between the "waves that seems to have traveled" from each slit).
The phase difference results in the waves not being coherent which in turn spoils/distorts the interference pattern.
Interference pattern is the (neatest and) cleanest when the waves are coherent.
Even in the (modified) Mach–Zehnder experiments, attempts to get which-way cause phase difference between the "waves that seem to travel" both the arms simultaneously.
Are there any alternate techniques/methods (other than QWPs) to get which-way without causing any phase difference in the "waves that seem to travel" both/numerous paths?
Wheeler had as a very hypothetical/thought-experiment, suggested telescopes. But I guess telescopes cannot be used.
Also can we ever observe/detect a photon (position, spin etc) without disturbing it?
In a double slit experiment
One hypothesis (or fairly well accepted theory?) is:
If we try to find which-way via Quarter Wave Plates (QWPs), we add a phase difference (between the "waves that seems to have traveled" from each slit).
The phase difference results in the waves not being coherent which in turn spoils/distorts the interference pattern.
Interference pattern is the (neatest and) cleanest when the waves are coherent.
Even in the (modified) Mach–Zehnder experiments, attempts to get which-way cause phase difference between the "waves that seem to travel" both the arms simultaneously.
Are there any alternate techniques/methods (other than QWPs) to get which-way without causing any phase difference in the "waves that seem to travel" both/numerous paths?
Wheeler had as a very hypothetical/thought-experiment, suggested telescopes. But I guess telescopes cannot be used.
Also can we ever observe/detect a photon (position, spin etc) without disturbing it?
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