Mach zehnder : a test for superposition ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a one-photon experiment using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, specifically examining the implications of superposition and the behavior of photons in relation to classical particle behavior. The focus is on the outcomes of detector clicks based on the paths taken by the photon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if the photon follows both paths at the first beam splitter, only one detector will click.
  • Others argue that if the photon behaves as a classical particle and chooses one path, both detectors could click, although this is challenged by the nature of a single photon.
  • A later reply clarifies that in the scenario where the photon could choose one path, only one detector would click, but it could be either detector depending on the repetition of the experiment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the behavior of the photon in the experiment, with no consensus reached on the implications of superposition versus classical behavior.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes ambiguities regarding the interpretation of detector clicks and the conditions under which they occur, as well as the assumptions about the nature of the photon in the context of superposition.

jk22
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We consider a one photon experiment. If the photon really follow both path at the first beam splitter then only one detector will click, if on the other hand the photon would have to choose one path (classical particle) then both detector could click ?
 
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jk22 said:
if on the other hand the photon would have to choose one path (classical particle) then both detector could click ?
No, as there is only one photon which can make only one detector click.
 
Right it is badly expressed. I should have said the other detector could click. In this second view only one detector clicks but it could be one or the other if we repeat the experiment.
 
jk22 said:
Right it is badly expressed. I should have said the other detector could click. In this second view only one detector clicks but it could be one or the other if we repeat the experiment.
Yes, that would be the case.
 

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