I Math of Electron Double Slit Experiment

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on seeking a derivation of the wave patterns observed in the electron double slit experiment, questioning the relevance of wave-particle duality. Participants reference a previous thread on wave-matter duality and suggest familiarity with classical electrodynamics and optics as foundational knowledge. They mention that nonrelativistic quantum theory parallels classical diffraction theory through the Helmholtz equation and Green's function. An alternative approach using path integrals, as detailed in Feynman and Hibbs' work, is also recommended. The conversation concludes with a user expressing gratitude for the helpful resources shared.
Ghost Quartz
Messages
8
Reaction score
4
I'm looking for a good derivation of the "wave" patterns in this experiment. I suppose that if wave-particle duality is an obsolete idea, there must be a derivation from quantum mechanics that gets close results.
Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There was a thread recently called "Is wave-matter duality a proven theory" which involved a discussion about this, with some links.

That might be interesting.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes vanhees71 and Ghost Quartz
How familiar are you with the description of diffraction in classical electrodynamics/optics? In nonrelativistic QT it's almost the same theory, based on the Helmholtz equation and the corresponding Green's function given the boundary conditions due to the slits.

An alternative also pretty intuitive way is the use of the path integral. This is nicely worked out in the book by Feynman and Hibbs.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes Ghost Quartz and PeroK
the link posted by DrChinese is what I was looking for. Thank you, everyone!
 

Thread 'Angular Momentum Vector and Its Magnitude'

For the quantum state ##|l,m\rangle= |2,0\rangle## the z-component of angular momentum is zero and ##|L^2|=6 \hbar^2##. According to uncertainty it is impossible to determine the values of ##L_x, L_y, L_z## simultaneously. However, we know that ##L_x## and ## L_y##, like ##L_z##, get the values ##(-2,-1,0,1,2) \hbar##. In other words, for the state ##|2,0\rangle## we have ##\vec{L}=(L_x, L_y,0)## with ##L_x## and ## L_y## one of the values ##(-2,-1,0,1,2) \hbar##. But none of these...
View full post »

Similar threads

I "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
Replies
36
Views
7K
I Is There A Study Showing The Observer Effect Ignoring Conscious Intent?
Replies
3
Views
3K
B Double-slit experiment and time
Replies
24
Views
2K
B Yet another double slit thought experiment...
Replies
20
Views
2K
B What is causing destructive interference in double slit experiment?
Replies
32
Views
4K
I Does a qubit break interference in the double slit experiment?
Replies
10
Views
478
I Double-slit experiment, determining which slit an electron passed thru
Replies
26
Views
3K
I Why is there no single slit interference when one slit is closed in a double slit experiment?
2
Replies
55
Views
5K
I Double slit experiment with observer
Replies
14
Views
4K
I The physical components in the electron double slit experiment
Replies
7
Views
1K