Double Slit Experiment: Explained in Detail

[-Job-]

Doesn't an electromagnetic wave propagate in 3 Dimensions (i.e. it's not a line but a surface)? If so how can a photon, whose energy is accounted primarily by the electromagnetic field, not interact with more than one particle at the same time in the same manner?

 

[ZapperZ]

Doesn't an electromagnetic wave propagate in 3 Dimensions (i.e. it's not a line but a surface)? If so how can a photon, whose energy is accounted primarily by the electromagnetic field, not interact with more than one particle at the same time in the same manner?

You do know, of course, that under conventional physics, EM wave = photons. They are not separate entity.

Now look at your question. I could also ask "How come EM waves don't interact with each other, since they are "...accounted primarily by the electromagnetic field"?"

And if all EM wave "propagates in 3D", then there's no point in solving any boundary conditions in the Poisson's equation for various geometry, is there?

I am trying VERY hard not to invoke any quantum field theory here. However, you need to be reasonable in your question because at some point, YOU have to do the work yourself in finding out the very basic E&M theory AND basic quantum theory.

Zz.

 

[RandallB]

"diffraction pattern" "interference pattern"

For a better understanding of the single slit diffraction pattern vs. the multi-slit interference patterns; see the link:
http://www.physics.northwestern.edu/ugrad/vpl/optics/diffraction.html"
Note that the interference pattern seen forms inside the shape of the single slit diffraction pattern.

I believe the old code here has a small error dealing with slit spacing, but it doesn’t hurt the look of the display. Actual slit spacing is half the number you put in.

 

[-Job-]

I know traditionally an EM wave = photon, i just wanted to use the wave as the propagation for a particle which would be what actually interacts with matter (ignoring any EM interaction), and calling that particle the photon instead. But i don't think the "water wave" can be explained using electromagnetism anyway, so whatever. Maybe it's space that's rippling.

 

[ZapperZ]

I know traditionally an EM wave = photon, i just wanted to use the wave as the propagation for a particle which would be what actually interacts with matter (ignoring any EM interaction), and calling that particle the photon instead. But i don't think the "water wave" can be explained using electromagnetism anyway, so whatever. Maybe it's space that's rippling.

Then maybe you can show me how a rippling space can somehow be blocked by a silly 2-slit set up. This implies that a slit isn't part of space and CAN block or hinder space. Last time I check with Dr. Einstein, space (and spacetime) can only be affected by gravity and/or extremely, extremely large density of energy, and not by some silly slit that can be made out of cardboard.

Zz.

 

[-Job-]

Ha, that's a good point, lucky for me i wasn't really serious about it.

 

[-Job-]

To be more serious, was the environment where this experiment was performed controlled with respect to electromagnetic emissions? I understand it must be hard to completely eliminate it as there should always be some background radiation but isn't it possible that this residual radiation affects the behavior of the photon? For example, with one slit, this background radiation flows from one side to the other without any interference, so the electromagnetic wave corresponding to the photon is free to take its path. With two slits the background radiation might generate some interference pattern which might affect the photon. Just considering some possibilities.
One question i have about the experiment is, does the photon always make it to the other side of the slits, or does it sometimes collide with the wall and not reach the detector? If it's the second scenario then that's just odd.

 

[huffypuffy]

all I am really asking, is there any way to shoot a photon at 2 slits, at a random angle (or whater random factor they use in the double slit experiment), is it possible to make it not interfere with itself?

Yea, look at look at which gate each photon goes through and it won't interfere with itself