In the delayed-choice quantum eraser, why is a stepper motor used?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanics of the delayed-choice quantum eraser experiment, specifically the role of detector D0 and its movement via a stepper motor. It is established that moving D0 along the x-axis is essential for obtaining an interference pattern, as stationary detection only yields intensity at a single point. The absence of path information from detectors D3 and D4 does not negate the need for D0's movement, as interference patterns require measurements at multiple locations to reveal varying intensities.

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murtazashab
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It appears to misunderstand the notion of the detectors D3, D4 providing path information and affecting the results D0.

My question is: When there is no path information being provided, why does the experiment still call for moving D0?

I understand that by moving D0 we can modify the arrival time of the idler photon.

I don't understand, why when there is no path information being provided at D3,D4 do we need to still move D0 in order to obtain an interference pattern.

"During an experiment, detector D0 is scanned along its x axis, its motions controlled by a step motor. A plot of "signal" photon counts detected by D0 versus x can be examined to discover whether the cumulative signal forms an interference pattern. "

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed-choice_quantum_eraser

Why doesn't an interference pattern occur at a stationary D0, when there is no path information being provided at D3,D4?
 
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murtazashab said:
Why doesn't an interference pattern occur at a stationary D0?
If the detector remains at a single point then all we get is the intensity at that point. An interference pattern is different intensities at different points, so we need to measure at multiple points.
 
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@Nugatory thanks for response let me try this. ... Appreciated your efforts...
 
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