Ref for single electron double slit experiments

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the single electron double slit experiment, exploring its implications for particle/wave duality and the existence of experimental evidence. Participants inquire about the actual execution of the experiment with single electrons and related particles, as well as the validity of commonly referenced images depicting interference patterns.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether single electron double slit experiments have been conducted and if the images often cited are based on actual experiments or merely thought experiments.
  • Another participant references the successful execution of similar experiments with larger molecules, specifically C60, and mentions historical experiments with single photons.
  • A participant suggests that there is historical context available in a book by Mark Silverman, which discusses quantum superposition and may provide insights into the experiment.
  • One participant shares a link to a resource that appears to contain relevant information about the double slit experiment.
  • A later reply expresses enthusiasm about the shared resource, indicating it was informative.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the existence of single electron double slit experiments or the authenticity of the associated images. Multiple viewpoints and inquiries remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various sources and historical experiments, but there is no definitive resolution regarding the execution of the single electron double slit experiment or the interpretation of the results.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in quantum mechanics, experimental physics, and the historical context of particle/wave duality may find this discussion relevant.

marsdk
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Hi there,

Single electron realizations of the double slit experiment is always mentioned as one of the standards 'proofs' of particle/wave duality, along with a series of pictures with single dots appearing in an interference pattern.

Has anyone ever made the experiment with single electrons (or neutrons or other massive particles)? And are those famous pictures just pure thought experiment, or from an actual article?

I know that is has been made with molecules up to the size C60 molecules (and in the C60 case, it was in effect one molecule at a time, according to the article by Nairz), and that Taylor made it with single photons as long ago as 1910'ish.

However I would like to know about the electron case.

PS: Has anyone experimentally tried 'observing one slit' and witnessed the following collapse of the wave function ?

Mikkel
 
Physics news on Phys.org
http://www.hitachi.com/rd/research/em/doubleslit.html
 
There's some interesting info on the history behind this experiment in Mark Silverman's book on quantum superposition. The description is at the very beginning of the book, which you can read for free on Google Books preview.
 
jtbell said:
http://www.hitachi.com/rd/research/em/doubleslit.html

That was awesome...
 

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