Understanding Particle Self-Interference in the Double Slit Experiment

In summary, the self interference of particles in the double slit experiment has been a topic of discussion. It has been suggested that a single particle can act as a wave and pass through both slits, causing interference. However, this explanation raises doubts about the possibility of splitting an electron or a buckyball into two waves. Further research has shown that while a buckyball can be diffracted, the probability for its position splits in half, not its actual position, when fired at double slits separated on the back side.
  • #1
blokeice
2
0
I was wondering to what extent we understand the self interference of particles in the double slit experiment. More specifically, I have heard that a single particle, acting as a wave can pass through both slits at once and that is what causes the interference. This explanation seems a bit fishy to me since it seems that if you just had two slits separated on the other side by a metal sheet you could split an electron or even a buckyball into two waves which should be impossible. What is actually known about what is going on with PSI?
 
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  • #2
You can diffract a buckyball!

http://www.univie.ac.at/qfp/research/matterwave/c60/index.html
 
  • #3
If you fire an electron at double slits which are separated on the back side, splitting in half is exactly what WILL happen to its wavefunction. However, when you go to actually measure which side the electron went to, you will find that it resides entirely in one or the other, with a 50/50 chance of being in each. It's the probability for the electron's position that splits in half, not its actual position.
 

What is particle self interference?

Particle self interference is a phenomenon that occurs when a single particle, such as an electron or photon, behaves like a wave and interferes with itself as it passes through a barrier or travels through space. This results in the particle exhibiting patterns of constructive and destructive interference, similar to what is observed in waves.

How does particle self interference occur?

Particle self interference occurs due to the wave-particle duality of quantum objects. According to quantum theory, particles can behave like waves and have a probability of existing in multiple places at once. When a particle passes through a barrier or travels through space, it can interact with itself and create interference patterns.

What is the significance of particle self interference in quantum mechanics?

Particle self interference is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and is essential in understanding the behavior of subatomic particles. It has been observed in various experiments, such as the double-slit experiment, and has led to the development of important theories, such as the Copenhagen interpretation.

What are some real-life applications of particle self interference?

Particle self interference has practical applications in fields such as quantum computing and cryptography. It also plays a crucial role in technologies like scanning tunneling microscopes, which use the principle of quantum tunneling and particle self interference to image surfaces at the atomic level.

Can particle self interference be observed with macroscopic objects?

No, particle self interference is a phenomenon that is observed at the atomic and subatomic level. Macroscopic objects, such as everyday objects, do not exhibit wave-like behavior, and therefore, do not demonstrate particle self interference.

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