The double-slit experiment with a pit in the screen

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the double-slit experiment with a conical pit in the screen, exploring how the distribution of light power changes when both slits are open versus when one is closed. The focus is on classical wave optics, with participants examining the implications of the pit on light power distribution in various experimental setups.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe a series of experiments to analyze light power distribution in the double-slit setup, emphasizing the roles of regions A and B in relation to slits α and β.
  • One participant questions the apparent contradiction arising from the assumption that regions A and B only receive light from their corresponding slits, suggesting a need for consistent wave optics methods rather than ray optics.
  • Another participant proposes that the total power delivered to the walls of the pit must equal the total power passing through the mouth of the pit, indicating a potential resolution to the contradiction.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of the pit's presence on the power distribution on the rest of the screen, questioning how it could change the power outside the pit.
  • Participants discuss the necessity of calculating phase and amplitude at points on the pit to understand the intensity distribution, highlighting the complexity of the situation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of ray versus wave optics, with some advocating for a consistent wave approach while others maintain the ray perspective. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the impact of the pit on power distribution and the nature of light behavior in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the dimensions of the pit are assumed to be greater than the wavelength of light, which may influence diffraction effects and the overall analysis of light behavior in the experiment.

  • #31
If anyone ever performs this experiment in a classroom, please post the results on PF. This discussion is just going in circles.
 
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  • #32
Quarker said:
Technically, any result would be “new,” since it appears that this experiment has never actually been conducted.

Quarker said:
If anyone ever performs this experiment in a classroom, please post the results on PF. This discussion is just going in circles.
It is you who is driving the circular motion. Why is it so important to you that this particular experiment has been conducted?

A major function of Science is to replace continuous experimenting and laborious recording of results with theory and formulae which allow us to predict what will happen and to recognise the patterns in our world.

PS (On a practical matter) Nothing could be achieved in "a classroom" version of this experiment because the conditions could not be measured accurately enough for any conclusing to be reached. If you had ever tried to do the basic Slits experiment yourself with any level of useful accuracy then you would appreciate why your experiment is just not feasible. Just let this go until you have grasped the theory in beetter depth.
 
Last edited:
  • #33
sophiecentaur said:
It is you who is driving the circular motion. Why is it so important to you that this particular experiment has been conducted?

A major function of Science is to replace continuous experimenting and laborious recording of results with theory and formulae which allow us to predict what will happen and to recognise the patterns in our world.

PS (On a practical matter) Nothing could be achieved in "a classroom" version of this experiment because the conditions could not be measured accurately enough for any conclusing to be reached. If you had ever tried to do the basic Slits experiment yourself with any level of useful accuracy then you would appreciate why your experiment is just not feasible. Just let this go until you have grasped the theory in beetter depth.
It only takes one.
 
  • #34
The original poster's question has been answered, so this thread is closed.
Any followup based on the recent discussion should be conducted in a new thread.
 
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