Electron double slit diffraction with unequal widths

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a double slit electron diffraction experiment where the original poster is trying to determine the ratio of probabilities for electrons arriving at interference maxima and minima, given unequal slit widths and differing electron counts through each slit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to approach the problem, initially suggesting a ratio based on the number of electrons through each slit. Other participants introduce concepts of intensity and amplitude related to wave interference, proposing a method to calculate the desired ratio.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and confirmed the correctness of one participant's approach. However, the original poster's initial reasoning remains unaddressed, and there is no explicit consensus on the overall understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates this is their first encounter with a double-slit problem, suggesting a potential gap in foundational knowledge that may affect their understanding of the discussion.

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Homework Statement



Hey guys, I'm working on a problem with a double slit electron diffraction experiment. There is a beam of electrons shooting through two slits onto a screen. When only slit 1 is open, the number of electrons hitting the screen is 25 times the number of electrons hitting the screen when only slit 2 is open. When both screens are open, there is an interference pattern in which destructive interference is not complete. With both slits open, what is the ratio of the probability of an electron arriving at an interference maximum to the probability of an electron arriving at an interference minimum?

Homework Equations



Unsure.

The Attempt at a Solution



This is the first double-slit problem that I've seen, so I have absolutely no idea what I need to do to solve this problem.

My instinct would be to just say that since about 25 electrons through slit 1 for every 1 through slit 2, the ratio will just be 26/24 = 13/12, but I'm 99% sure I'm wrong. Assuming this is wrong, why is it?

Could somebody please help me out?
 
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Number of electrons hitting the screen can be taken a the intensity I of the electron beam. Corresponding amplitude of the De Broglie wave is proportional to sqrt I.
Now find I1/I2. Then find A1/A2.
During interference Amax = A1 + A2 and Amin = A1 - A2.
Hence find Imax/Imin.
 
I1/I2 = 25
A1/A2 = 5
Amax = A1 + A2 = 6, Amin = A1 - A2 = 4
Imax/Imin = (6/4)^2 = 9/4

Is this correct?
 
Yes. That is correct.
 

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