Double Slit Simulator: Online Visualization & Path Variations

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the need for an online simulator to visualize double slit interference, particularly with variations of polarizers. Users seek to understand the interference patterns produced by unpolarized light when different polarizers are applied before each slit. The consensus is that if the path taken by the light can be distinguished, no interference pattern will occur. Several resources, including links to existing simulators and animations, are provided for further exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of double slit interference principles
  • Familiarity with polarizers and their orientations (vertical, horizontal, 45 degrees)
  • Basic knowledge of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Experience with online simulation tools for educational purposes
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the online double slit simulator at this link
  • Investigate the simulation provided by Open Source Physics at this link
  • Review the quantum wave interference simulation available at this link
  • Study the mathematical framework of double slit experiments in the paper available at this link
USEFUL FOR

Educators, parents teaching physics concepts to children, and anyone interested in visualizing quantum mechanics principles through interactive simulations.

69911e
Messages
30
Reaction score
1
Is there an online simulator which can be used to visualize the double slit interference? I know this can be done via equations, but as I am working with my kids on this, I prefer visual and want to add variations of different polarizers before each slit.

If no simulator available, any assistance with the following would be greatly appreciated.
Would there be an interference pattern with unpolarized light input and no path observation if :
a: The upper path before the slit has a vertical polarizer/45 deg polarizer/horizontal polarizer
b: The lower path before the slit has a horizontal polarizer/45 deg polarizer/horizontal polarizer

Seems like the answer would be no interference, but want to verify...
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Khashishi
Physics news on Phys.org
Have you tried googling for "double slit simulator"?
http://phys.educ.ksu.edu/vqm/html/doubleslit/
http://www.opensourcephysics.org/items/detail.cfm?ID=11546
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/quantum-wave-interference

... there are also animations demonstrating the physics.
To my knowledge there are none that cover every possible eventuality, freely available, but the math is out there.
https://arxiv.org/pdf/1312.6942.pdf

Short answer: if you can distinguish which path was taken, then no interference.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: houlahound and BvU

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
949
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
6K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
6K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K