Superposition Angle Range in 2-Slit Experiment

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the superposition angle range in the context of the double-slit experiment. It establishes that matrix-based equations indicate a finite number of possible superpositions and emphasizes the importance of the distance between slits in reproducing the experiment. The conversation also addresses the uncertainty in the direction of the beam and its impact on the detection patterns, concluding that while there is a non-zero chance for photons to be detected in various directions, focused beams significantly limit detection outside a narrow strip.

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TL;DR
Question on superpositions
With superpositions, the matrix based equations imply that there is a finite number of possible superpositions. Descriptions of how to reproduce the 2-slit experiment prescribe a maximum distance the slits can be apart and still reproduce the experiment.

is there a way to determine the minimum and maximum angles a superposition could have from the emitter?
 
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Jsauce said:
Summary:: Question on superpositions

With superpositions, the matrix based equations imply that there is a finite number of possible superpositions. Descriptions of how to reproduce the 2-slit experiment prescribe a maximum distance the slits can be apart and still reproduce the experiment.

is there a way to determine the minimum and maximum angles a superposition could have from the emitter?
This question does not make much sense to me. For a double slit experiment, you need the slits to be within the uncertainty in the direction of the beam. But, also, if the slits are far apart and you have a very large uncertainty in the direction of the beam, then you will effectively get two separate single slit patterns, some distance apart.
 
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PeroK said:
This question does not make much sense to me. For a double slit experiment, you need the slits to be within the uncertainty in the direction of the beam. But, also, if the slits are far apart and you have a very large uncertainty in the direction of the beam, then you will effectively get two separate single slit patterns, some distance apart.
What defines the boundaries of the uncertainty?
 
Jsauce said:
What defines the boundaries of the uncertainty?
There is no definite boundary, but the probability distribution will drop off very quickly for a tightly focused beam.
 
PeroK said:
There is no definite boundary, but the probability distribution will drop off very quickly for a tightly focused beam.

So there is a non-zero chance that a single photon could impact a detector 180 degrees behind the emitter?
 
Jsauce said:
So there is a non-zero chance that a single photon could impact a detector 180 degrees behind the emitter?
That's not really relevant. If the emitter is a simple source, then photons will be detected in all directions. If the emitter produces a focused beam, then the probability of being detected outside a narrow strip on the first screen would be vanishingly small.
 
PeroK said:
That's not really relevant. If the emitter is a simple source, then photons will be detected in all directions. If the emitter produces a focused beam, then the probability of being detected outside a narrow strip on the first screen would be vanishingly small.

Helpful as ever
 
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