Effect of changing probabilities on interference

In summary, the Mach-Zehnder interferometer utilizes two half-silvered mirrors which give a photon a 50% chance of passing through or being reflected. By adjusting the silvering percentage of the mirrors, the probabilities change and can be calculated to determine the intensities at the detectors. Changing the silvering percentage of the mirrors will result in different intensities for the detectors.
  • #1
San K
911
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Let's say we are doing interference experiment via say a Mach-Zehnder

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mach%E2%80%93Zehnder_interferometer


In the Mach-Zehnder two of the mirrors are half silvered.

The photon has a 50% chance of passing through the half-silvered mirror and 50% chance of being reflected.

1. What happens if we make the mirror 3/4 silvered?

I.e. the photon has 25% chance of passing through and 75% chance of being reflected?

2. What happens if we make the mirror 1/4 silvered?

I.e. the photon has 75% chance of passing through and 25% chance of being reflected?
 
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  • #2
Calculate the amplitudes, add them, square their magnitudes to get the intensities. Which mirror do you want to change in which way? In general, you get different intensities for the detectors if you change those percentages.
 
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1. What is the effect of changing probabilities on interference?

The effect of changing probabilities on interference is that it can alter the interference pattern produced by a wave. When the probability of an event occurring increases, the amplitude of the wave also increases, resulting in a more pronounced interference pattern. On the other hand, if the probability decreases, the interference pattern becomes less distinct.

2. How does changing probabilities impact the intensity of interference?

Changing probabilities can directly affect the intensity of interference. As the probability of an event increases, the intensity of interference also increases. This is because a higher probability means a higher amplitude for the wave, resulting in a larger difference in the path lengths of the interfering waves and a stronger interference pattern.

3. Can changing probabilities change the type of interference observed?

Yes, changing probabilities can change the type of interference observed. Depending on the probabilities of the events, the interference can be constructive or destructive. If the probabilities are equal, constructive interference occurs and a bright fringe is observed. If the probabilities are unequal, destructive interference occurs and a dark fringe is observed.

4. How do changing probabilities affect the overall pattern of interference?

Changing probabilities can significantly alter the overall pattern of interference. When probabilities are equal, the interference pattern appears as a series of alternating bright and dark fringes. However, as the probabilities change, the number and spacing of these fringes may also change, resulting in a different overall pattern of interference.

5. Is there a relationship between probabilities and the wavelength of the wave in interference?

Yes, there is a relationship between probabilities and the wavelength of the wave in interference. The wavelength of the wave determines the spacing between fringes in the interference pattern. As the probabilities change, the wavelength may also change, resulting in a different spacing between fringes and a different interference pattern.

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