Matter waves of various particles - do they interact?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interaction of matter waves, specifically de Broglie waves, of photons and electrons. It posits a scenario where a photon and an electron pass through separate double slits that are brought close enough to potentially interact. The key question is whether this proximity would result in an observable interference pattern, indicating interaction between the two matter waves. The conclusion drawn is that such interactions can occur and may alter the interference pattern observed.

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  • Understanding of de Broglie waves and wave-particle duality
  • Familiarity with the double-slit experiment
  • Knowledge of quantum mechanics principles
  • Basic concepts of interference patterns in wave physics
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  • Study the double-slit experiment with photons and electrons
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of de Broglie waves
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San K
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this has been asked by someone before, though, but, i think, never got answered

can the matter waves of, say, a photon, interact with the matter waves of, say, an electron?

matter waves = de Broglie waves


lets say we have two pairs of double slits...a photons is sent through one pair and an electron is sent through the other

the pairs (of double slits) are now brought closer ...till the right slit of the photon and the left slit of the electron are within the wavelength of photon/electron...

would we observe an interference pattern indicating some sort of interference between the photon-matterwave and the electron-matterwave?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you prepare any particle which cannot described by a wave function?
They can interact, and might modify your interference pattern.
 

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