Mach-Zehnder Interferometer at Wiki Question

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter daniel29208
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Interferometer
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) as described in the Wikipedia article. A participant expresses confusion regarding the probability of detecting a photon at detector A in the bottom right diagram, speculating it to be 50%. Clarifications are provided that the top-left and bottom-left diagrams represent the same setup, as do the top-right and bottom-right diagrams. This indicates that the probabilities for these configurations are interconnected and not independent.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum optics principles
  • Familiarity with the Mach-Zehnder Interferometer setup
  • Knowledge of photon detection probabilities
  • Basic grasp of interference patterns in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical derivation of photon probabilities in Mach-Zehnder Interferometers
  • Study quantum interference and its applications in optical systems
  • Explore advanced topics in quantum optics, such as entanglement and superposition
  • Learn about experimental setups and measurements in quantum mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of quantum interference and photon behavior in interferometric setups.

daniel29208
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Can anyone help out?

I was reading about MZ interferometers on Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mach-Zehnder

In the wiki article they have a picture of 4 samples of photon paths in a MZ interferometer. They indicate the probability of a finding a photon at detectors (A,B,C) for 3 of the diagrams but the fourth they leave you guessing. I am really bugged. I can't find the answer anywhere. What is the probability of detecting a photon at detector A in the bottom right diagram. I am thinking it must be 50%?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
where is the question? i think you misunderstood the article.
the top-left and bottom-left pictures represent the same apparatus, as well as the top-right and bottom-right.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Mach-Zehnder interferometer, but with an entangled beam?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
4K
High School Does the bomb experiment do a measurement?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Entangled Photons in Opposite-Configured Mach–Zehnder Interferometers
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K
Undergrad Is this a valid quantum Cheshire cat?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Undergrad Mach-Zender-Interferometer with polarizers
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
High School Phase shift in Mach-Zehnder interferometer
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Undergrad Photon states and interference in an Interferometer
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad One particle and two slits
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad Quantum eraser experiment
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Graduate Mach Zehnder Interferometer Interference fringes issue
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K