Is there an interference pattern within a non-interference pattern?

In summary, the first scenario suggests that a single photon sent through a single slit would not create an interference pattern, but the second scenario with a double slit and instrumentation to determine the photon's path is more debatable. Some argue that even with this setup, there could still be an interference pattern present.
  • #1
San K
911
1
Consider two scenarios:

Scenario 1:

Single slit, single photons sent one by one.

We would have a blob or column of dots. However inside this column is there an interference pattern hidden?

Scenario 2:

Double slit, single photons sent one by one, however we have instrumentation in place to find out which slit the photon went through.

In this case there would be two columns of dots. However inside (each of) these two columns is there an interference pattern hidden?

In summary:

Could a single photon via a single slit still be interfering with "itself"?
 
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  • #2
San K said:
Consider two scenarios:

Scenario 1:

Single slit, single photons sent one by one.

We would have a blob or column of dots. However inside this column is there an interference pattern hidden?
No.

San K said:
Scenario 2:

Double slit, single photons sent one by one, however we have instrumentation in place to find out which slit the photon went through.

In this case there would be two columns of dots. However inside (each of) these two columns is there an interference pattern hidden?

Some say yes - some say no. Depends on interpretation.
 

1. What is an interference pattern?

An interference pattern is a phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves overlap and interact with each other, resulting in regions of constructive and destructive interference.

2. Can an interference pattern occur within a non-interference pattern?

No, an interference pattern can only occur when two or more waves are present and interacting with each other. If there is no interference, there cannot be an interference pattern.

3. How can you tell if there is an interference pattern within a non-interference pattern?

If there is no evidence of two or more waves overlapping and interacting, then there is no interference pattern. The only way to determine if there is an interference pattern is to observe the behavior of the waves.

4. What causes an interference pattern to form?

An interference pattern is caused by the superposition of waves, which means that the waves combine to form a new wave with a different amplitude or direction. This interference can be either constructive, where the waves reinforce each other, or destructive, where the waves cancel each other out.

5. What are some real-life examples of interference patterns?

Interference patterns can be observed in many natural and man-made phenomena, such as the ripples formed when throwing a stone into a pond, the colors seen in soap bubbles, and the diffraction patterns produced by a laser beam passing through a narrow slit.

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