Explore the Double Slit Experiment: Variations & Results

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around variations of the double slit experiment, exploring how different configurations of slits might affect interference patterns. Participants inquire about the implications of altering slit shapes, sizes, and arrangements, as well as the nature of photon emissions in relation to interference patterns.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the effects of varying slit configurations, such as using slits of different orientations or shapes, and whether these variations have been studied.
  • One participant suggests that the shape of the slits influences the resultant interference pattern, proposing that non-standard shapes like diamonds could produce distinct patterns.
  • There is a query about whether the slits determine the period of the interference pattern, with references to external resources for further information.
  • Participants discuss the conditions under which interference patterns can emerge from photons emitted from separate sources, emphasizing the need for closely matched frequencies.
  • Concerns are raised about the reliability of ensuring that only one photon is emitted at a time, with some suggesting methods like heralded photons to achieve this.
  • Questions are posed regarding the behavior of photons when both slits are observed, and how the emitter's focus might influence the path taken by the photons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the effects of varying slit configurations and the nature of photon emissions. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the implications of these variations or the conditions necessary for interference patterns.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific experimental setups and assumptions about photon behavior, which are not fully detailed in the discussion. The implications of different slit shapes and configurations are not universally agreed upon.

PZIG98
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A few question about the double slit experiment... I have watched many videos and discussions about this experiment and am curious if anyone has ever varied the slits... What happens if one slit is vertical and one horizontal? If they are closer together or further apart? One fat and one skinny? One tall, one short? etc etc... How about three slits? or maybe concentric circular slits? I would imagine that this has been done and the results unremarkable but I have not heard or read anything other that one or two slits... How about two emitters side by side with zero slits? Would an interference pattern result?
 
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I can't find the relevant reference at this moment, but the physical shape of the slits affects the shape of the resultant image. if you used a diamond shape instead of vertical bars, it would change the pattern to resemble diamonds. A horizontal bar results in overlaps.
 
Do the slits determine the period of the interference pattern?

If two photons where fired from two separate emitters, at the same time with no slits, would an interference pattern result?
 
Hi PZIG98,
PZIG98 said:
A few question about the double slit experiment... I have watched many videos and discussions about this experiment and am curious if anyone has ever varied the slits...
Yes, it has been done. Here is also a thread with a document and some pictures:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/double-slit-experiment.782985/

And here is a clip from MIT - an introduction to the experiment, including some variations:
http://video.mit.edu/watch/thomas-youngs-double-slit-experiment-8432/

EDIT:
PZIG98 said:
Do the slits determine the period of the interference pattern?
See the clip I posted above :smile:.
 
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PZIG98 said:
If two photons where fired from two separate emitters, at the same time with no slits, would an interference pattern result?
In order to see an interference pattern the frequencies of both lasers must be nearly the same. If for example the frequency difference between the lasers is 1Hz, then you'll see the interference pattern cycling every second. To give you an idea how stable such a laser would have be, a 650nm red laser is 4.6E+14 Hz. A difference of 1Hz is unheard of. The temperature drift alone is far greater.
 
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Makes sense to me about the frequencies... How are experimenters certain that they are firing 1 photon at a time when doing the double split? Seems the me that the "Uncertain" nature of these particles would make that impossible... Would seem more likely that what is happening is really a, "small number" are fired at each time...
 
PZIG98 said:
How are experimenters certain that they are firing 1 photon at a time when doing the double split? Seems the me that the "Uncertain" nature of these particles would make that impossible... Would seem more likely that what is happening is really a, "small number" are fired at each time...

It depends on what effect you are looking for. There are ways to be certain that only one photon is present within a specified time window; an example would be to use heralded photons. Other times you simply want the average to be "close enough" to one. That can be accomplished with a suitably low intensity.

You can be sure that the experimenter is aware of this point, as it can make a difference to the outcome.
 
I appreciate you and others taking the time to entertain my curiosity...
If both slits are observed, measured... the wave/waves/pattern remains collapsed I assume?

How is the emitter focused/aimed. Trying to understand why they sometimes go through this side and sometimes the other. I assume most times they go through neither? Or, are they focused on a particular point on the partition?
 

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