How to Calculate Intensity and Probability for Double Slit and Diffraction?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating intensity and probability in the context of the double-slit experiment and diffraction patterns. Key equations include the intensity function I(θ), which relates to the probability of photon detection in angular intervals, specifically through the relationship I(θ)dθ. The conversation emphasizes the importance of considering the detector's dimensions and the angular intervals θ1 and θ2 when determining photon probabilities. Participants clarify that the intensity already incorporates the square of the electric field, negating the need to square it again.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with the double-slit experiment setup
  • Knowledge of trigonometric relationships in physics
  • Basic principles of diffraction and interference patterns
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the intensity function I(θ) in the double-slit experiment
  • Explore the concept of probability density functions in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the implications of detector dimensions on photon detection probabilities
  • Investigate the mathematical treatment of diffraction patterns in various slit configurations
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, physics educators, and researchers interested in the mathematical foundations of wave-particle interactions and diffraction phenomena.

grkm
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


upload_2015-1-5_22-16-56.png


Homework Equations


upload_2015-1-5_22-38-51.png

slit width = a , slit separation = b = d (at photo),
tanQ=h/L m.λ=b.sinQ
λ.b=sinQ
B=π.d.sinQ/λ
α=π.a.sinQ/λ
Iq=Imx(cosB)^2 x (sinα/α)^2//

The Attempt at a Solution


My first move was to find intensity but I have no idea about the probability of finding one photon on the detector since It is not a point and It has own length.Should I think the detector as a point ? Location can be relevant with fringes but I'm not sure.
 

Attachments

  • upload_2015-1-5_22-16-23.png
    upload_2015-1-5_22-16-23.png
    65.7 KB · Views: 591
Physics news on Phys.org
Finding the intensity is a good first move. Next, think about how the intensity function I(θ) is related to the probability of a photon ending up in some angular interval between θ1 and θ2 after passing through the slits.
 
Can I say |I(θ)|^2~P ? and thanks.
 
You wouldn't square the intensity. (The intensity, I(θ), already contains the square of the electric field.) When thinking of the probability of where a photon will go, you need to include some interval of angles. For example, if you consider an infinitesimal interval from θ to θ + dθ, then a photon will end up in that interval with a probability that's proportional to I(θ)dθ. For a finite interval from θ1 to θ2, how do you think you would calculate the probability that a photon ends up between θ1 to θ2?
 
so interval can be taken from h to h+d ? I am not sure but at Imax 's probability is 1/2 I am trying to find on detector.
 
grkm said:
so interval can be taken from h to h+d ?
Well, you'll need to find the angles θ1 and θ2 that correspond to the distances h and h+d.
I am not sure but at Imax 's probability is 1/2 I am trying to find on detector.
Sorry, I don't understand this comment.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K