How Does Detector Placement Affect Ratios in the Double Slit Experiment?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impact of detector placement in the Double Slit Experiment, specifically using fixed detectors instead of a coincidence counter. Participants assert that with a proper setup, the detection ratio at D0 should approach 1, while D1 and D2 should each detect approximately n/2 photons, where n represents the total photons entering the system. The use of lenses for focusing beams at D1 and D2 is emphasized, alongside the necessity of a laser source filtered to allow a controlled number of photons. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the source and setup nuances over immediate results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Double Slit Experiment
  • Knowledge of photon counting techniques
  • Familiarity with laser sources and optical filters
  • Basic principles of interference and beam focusing
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of photon counting in quantum experiments
  • Learn about the setup and calibration of laser sources for experiments
  • Explore the effects of beam focusing using lenses in optical setups
  • Study the mathematical formulations related to interference patterns in the Double Slit Experiment
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, optical engineers, and students studying quantum mechanics or experimental physics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the nuances of photon detection and interference phenomena.

calinvass
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Here is a setup that only uses fixed detectors.
Will the ratio between the number of detections at D0 and the sum of the numbers detected on D1 and D2
be close to 1?
For this question instead of the coincidence counter, 3 simple counters are needed.
Also the detectors D1 and D2 need some lenses to focus the beams that exit the slits.
IMG_0530.JPG
 
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I need more context to even start thinking about this!
 
calinvass said:
Here is a setup that only uses fixed detectors.

Coincidence counter can't operate without some extra information.
 
m k said:
Coincidence counter can't operate without some extra information.

But for the setup above the CC is replaced by photon counters. It says in the OP.
The detectors are supposed to capture most of the beams so that after some number n of photons entering the double slit, I suppose we will get n on D0 and n/2 for D1 and D2.
 
It's the counter part, it needs feedback for deciding between rights and wrongs.
Word beam is also a bit problematic with word count.

Anyway, yes.
 
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m k said:
...Word beam is also a bit problematic with word count.

...

I understand that for this kind of experiments you use a laser source which is a light beam that is then passed through a filter can let only a low amount of photon passing through in a given time. I suppose you first need to adjust the apparatus without the filter in place.
 
I think it's generally much better to just forget the results part and concentrate to calculating nuances of the source part.
(formulas are well documented)

There's no real difference whether you get stuck in single photon interference now or later but if it's later you have a possibility to learn many things before that.
 
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