Double slit experiment IN TIME

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a novel interpretation of the double slit experiment, where the slits are conceptualized in the time domain rather than spatially. This approach utilizes electric field peaks within a short laser pulse to demonstrate diffraction effects in time. Key references include a talk by Paulus and a relevant paper published in Physical Review A by Zeilinger, which explores the implications of matter wave-packet dispersion and its impact on probability density. The conversation highlights the potential for new insights into quantum mechanics through this temporal framework.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly wave-particle duality.
  • Familiarity with the double slit experiment and its implications in physics.
  • Knowledge of electric field dynamics and laser pulse characteristics.
  • Basic grasp of wave-packet theory and probability density functions in quantum physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the double slit experiment in the context of time-based interpretations.
  • Explore the concept of matter wave-packet dispersion and its effects on quantum probability.
  • Study the methodologies presented in the Physical Review A paper by Zeilinger (1997) regarding time-domain diffraction.
  • Watch the video talks linked in the discussion, particularly focusing on the equipment and techniques used in attosecond physics.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, quantum mechanics researchers, and students interested in advanced concepts of wave-particle interactions and temporal phenomena in quantum theory.

marlon
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Double slit experiment IN TIME !

The famous double slit experiment performed in another way ... The slits are not in space but in time : two positive peaks and one negative peak of an electric field contained in a very short laser pulse...


https://www.physicsforums.com/journal.php?s=&journalid=13790&action=view

marlon
 
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marlon said:
The famous double slit experiment performed in another way ... The slits are not in space but in time : two positive peaks and one negative peak of an electric field contained in a very short laser pulse...


https://www.physicsforums.com/journal.php?s=&journalid=13790&action=view

marlon

I was looking at this. There are several related talks on video in the link
below about the equipment used, very interesting!

http://itamp.harvard.edu/attosecond/attosecond.html

especially the talk of Paulus here:

http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/dvlwrap/itamp/0311/paulus.ram

(Uses the Realplayer plug-in which you can download for free)


Regards, Hans
 
Last edited by a moderator:
There was a discussion on this a few months back in the thread 'Interference in time' in the 'theory development' forum.I am including here something that I wrote in one of my posts there:-

Diffraction in time domain is possible in the following sense---you have a screen blocking a matter wave which is suddenly removed(constituting an edge in time).Then there is a finite probability of finding the particle at a point distance d away in a time different from d/v,where v is the speed of the particle.In fact such a calculation has been done(see Phys. Rev. A,? & Zeilinger,3804-3824,1997)--the basic reason is fast spreading of matter wave-packets due to the presence of high momentum (Fourier)components (constituting the (sharp) wavepacket)--so the probability density reaches out faster than the speed of the particle.Such an effect is absent in the case of classical wave-equation(light) as there is no dispersion in free space.

Jagmeet
 
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