Is an electron beam affected by photons?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conditions necessary for conducting the double-slit experiment with electron beams, specifically focusing on whether the presence of photons or air molecules affects the interference pattern of the electrons. The scope includes conceptual understanding and experimental conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that conducting the double-slit experiment with electrons requires a vacuum to prevent interactions with air molecules that could lead to the loss of electrons or significant deflections.
  • Others argue that the primary concern is not the interference pattern itself but rather the potential loss of electrons due to collisions with air molecules.
  • A participant questions whether interactions with air would destroy the experiment, indicating uncertainty about the effects of such interactions.
  • One participant suggests looking up additional resources to understand the typical conditions under which the double-slit experiment is performed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a vacuum is preferable for the double-slit experiment with electrons, but there is no consensus on the extent to which interactions with photons or air molecules affect the interference pattern or the experiment itself.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the nature of interactions between electrons and photons or air molecules, as well as the specific conditions under which the interference pattern may be preserved or altered.

Herbascious J
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TL;DR
Are beams made of electrons, like the kind used in the double slit experiments, able to withstand the presence of light or air molecules, without interacting?
I am wondering if one of the prerequisites of the double-slit experiment, when done with electrons, is that the beams must be in a dark vacuum tube so as to not destroy the interference pattern. I am trying to learn if the beams will lose their interference pattern because the particles of the beam are interacting with other particles like photons or gases before hitting the screen.
 
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Herbascious J said:
Summary:: Are beams made of electrons, like the kind used in the double slit experiments, able to withstand the presence of light or air molecules, without interacting?

I am wondering if one of the prerequisites of the double-slit experiment, when done with electrons, is that the beams must be in a dark vacuum tube so as to not destroy the interference pattern. I am trying to learn if the beams will lose their interference pattern because the particles of the beam are interacting with other particles like photons or gases before hitting the screen.
It's better to do the electron double-slit experiment in a vacuum, as you may lose some electrons to collisions with air molecules. It's not a question of losing the interference pattern, it's that electrons may be lost to the experiment (or significantly deflected). Fairly obviously, you need the electrons to have a clear path to the screen.
 
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PeroK said:
It's better to do the electron double-slit experiment in a vacuum, as you may lose some electrons to collisions with air molecules. It's not a question of losing the interference pattern, it's that electrons may be lost to the experiment (or significantly deflected). Fairly obviously, you need the electrons to have a clear path to the screen.
I know that I didn't asked the question . but I am also wondering do the interaction with air wouldn't destroy the experiment ?
 

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