Query on use of prism in delayed choice quantum eraser experiment

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the use of a prism in the Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser experiment, specifically addressing concerns about its depiction in schematic diagrams. Participants noted that the prism's representation contravenes Snell’s law, indicating potential inaccuracies in the diagrams. The Glan-Thomson prism's ray paths were also identified as incorrect. A more accurate diagram was found through research, highlighting the importance of precision in scientific illustrations.

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Steve4Physics
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Query on use of prism in delayed choice quantum eraser experiment
Hi. I’ve seen a number of schematic diagrams for the Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser experiment. Some include a prism to make the two idler photon paths diverge.

However, the prism is shown refracting the ‘idler rays’ in a way which contravenes Snell’s law. E.g. see prism marked ‘PS’ (not the Glan-Thompson prism) here:
Eraser.png


(from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed-choice_quantum_eraser)

Is this a mistake or have I misunderstood something? Thanks.
 
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Steve4Physics said:
However, the prism is shown refracting the ‘idler rays’ in a way which contravenes Snell’s law. E.g. see prism marked ‘PS’ (not the Glan-Thompson prism) here:
Hmmm. I doubt the prism in the diagram is supposed to show the actual path of light in the experiment.
 
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Drakkith said:
Hmmm. I doubt the prism in the diagram is supposed to show the actual path of light in the experiment.
Yes. It seems that part of the diagram is a bit of a 'bodge'. But the rest of the diagram seems OK. But I've found similar diagrams showing the same thing, so it's very puzzling.
 
No one is worried about Snell's law when they're throwing shapes and lines into powerpoint. :wink:
 
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Drakkith said:
No one is worried about Snell's law when they're throwing shapes and lines into powerpoint. :wink:
I guess so. But it's much more than a minor misjudgement of angles.

And I noticed another mistake in the diagram. The ray paths through the Glan-Thomson prism (just after the SPDC non-linear crystal) are wrong.

Maybe I'm just being too picky!

With a bit of searching (using Google Images) I've now found a diagram which appears correct. I’m not sure about copyright so here's just the link:
https://www.researchgate.net/public...-delayed-choice-quantum-eraser-experiment.ppm
 
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