Quantum Interference: Exploring the Nature of Photons

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of interference in a double slit experiment and whether it is caused by photons interfering with each other or with themselves. It is clarified that interference patterns are actually the result of single-particle interference and that multiple-particle interference is rare. The idea of energy transfer and coherence is brought up, but it is noted that this is not a convincing explanation. The conversation ends with the suggestion to look into the well-formulated description of quantum interference.
  • #1
Hernik
108
2
I have a question which maybe shows that I'm not trained in physics. I hope someone will answer anyway.

When a single photon in a doubble slit experiment is shown to interfere with itself is there then any need to talk about photons interfering with each other. Could all interfernce of light not then be explained as photons interfering with themselves and not with each other?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Er... all of the "standard" interference pattern that we are familiar with are all single-particle interference. This can be from photons, electrons, protons, neutrons, etc... 2-particle interference almost never occurs. So even if you do this with a steady stream of particles (or light), the effect you see is the result of each individual particle's interference.

Zz.
 
  • #3
Thanks. That was great to get cleared up. Now a follow up question then: Interference of light always happens as it interacts with particles right? So can the interference be understood as a result of energy from one photon being absorbed by a multiple particles and sent off again?
 
  • #4
Hernik said:
Thanks. That was great to get cleared up. Now a follow up question then: Interference of light always happens as it interacts with particles right? So can the interference be understood as a result of energy from one photon being absorbed by a multiple particles and sent off again?

No. You will have a tough time convincing anyone that you can preserve coherence after such multiple events. We have seen evidence that a single-particle system can lose coherence with just ONE interaction.

So why are we pursuing this avenue when there is a well-formulated description of quantum interference? What's wrong with the standard description?

Zz.
 
  • #5
ZapperZ said:
So why are we pursuing this avenue when there is a well-formulated description of quantum interference? What's wrong with the standard description?

Zz.

I guess the sorry answer is that I need to look into that description of quantum interference. Thank you for your help :-)
 

1. What are photons?

Photons are fundamental particles that make up electromagnetic radiation, including visible light. They have no mass and travel at the speed of light.

2. How do photons produce interference patterns?

When light passes through a narrow slit or is reflected off a surface with small grooves, the photons interfere with each other, creating interference patterns. This is due to their wave-like nature, where the peaks and troughs of their waves either amplify or cancel each other out.

3. What is the difference between constructive and destructive interference?

Constructive interference occurs when the peaks of two or more waves align and reinforce each other, resulting in a brighter or stronger wave. Destructive interference happens when the peaks of one wave align with the troughs of another, canceling out the waves and producing a darker or weaker result.

4. How is the wavelength of light related to interference patterns?

The wavelength of light determines the spacing of interference fringes. The smaller the wavelength, the closer the fringes will be to each other, resulting in a more intricate pattern. This is why visible light produces more detailed interference patterns than radio waves, which have a longer wavelength.

5. What is the significance of interference in the study of light?

Interference is a key concept in understanding the wave-particle duality of light. It helps explain how light can behave as both a wave and a particle and is essential in many applications, such as diffraction gratings, holography, and interferometers used in scientific research and technology.

Similar threads

I Photon interference and beamforming
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
64
Views
3K
B How is energy transferred from a wave to a photon?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
18
Views
2K
I Interference in double-slit with single photons
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
17
Views
883
I Is it possible for a BBO crystal to produce an interference pattern?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
644
I Why do orthogonal polarizers at slits eliminate interference pattern?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
28
Views
566
I Delayed quantum eraser: turning off sensor to bring back interference
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
19
Views
960
I Young's slit experiment with single photons
    • Quantum Physics
3
Replies
81
Views
4K
I Double slit experiment with observer
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
14
Views
1K
I Self-interference in double-slit experiments
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
47
Views
4K
I How Big Is a Photon? - Exploring Interference Experiments
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
14
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top