The Human Double Slit Experiment

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of performing a double slit experiment using macroscopic objects, specifically cats, and the implications of quantum mechanics on larger scales. Participants explore the technical challenges and theoretical considerations involved in observing wave-like behavior in such objects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that objects with momentum exhibit wave-like properties, referencing electrons forming interference patterns when interacting with crystal lattices.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of decoherence, suggesting that macro objects must be isolated from their environment to display quantum behavior, which is extremely difficult to achieve.
  • Concerns are raised about the need for very small slits and the implications of the de Broglie wavelength for larger objects, with one participant questioning the necessity of spacing out the firings of the cats over an extended time period.
  • There is speculation that reducing the speed of the cats could be necessary to decrease their momentum, thereby increasing the wavelength for potential interference effects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the technicalities involved in the proposed experiment, with no consensus reached on the specifics of the requirements or the implications of the observations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumptions about the isolation of macro objects, the conditions required for observing quantum effects, and the dependence on definitions of wave-function behavior in larger scales.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in quantum mechanics, the implications of wave-particle duality, and the challenges of applying quantum principles to macroscopic objects may find this discussion relevant.

Legaldose
Messages
73
Reaction score
6
Okay it's been well established that objects with momentum exhibit wave like properties. Hence, electrons being observed forming interference patterns when scattering off of crystal lattices. Also I recently read this webpage. At the bottom it mentions performing a double slit experiment with cats firing them haphazardly at two slits to see if they interfere. Now obviously it wouldn't work in any normal sense. But it mentions a lot of little technicalities, one obvious one for me is that the de Broglie wavelength of any object comparable to humans would be comparable to Planck's constant, so extremely tiny slits would be needed (correct me if I'm wrong). My question is what are those other "technicalities" mentioned. Also it says that you would need to space out the firing of the cats in a time interval longer than the age of the universe, I just plain don't understand that bit, why do you need to space out the firings for larger objects that much? I figured as long as you waited until one already hits, that would be good enough. Any clarification is welcomed.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Legaldose said:
My question is what are those other "technicalities" mentioned.

Its the decoherence thing. For macro objects to show quantum behavior they need to be isolated from the environment which, to put it mildly, is VERY VERY hard to do eg it would need to be cooled to near absolute zero.

The spacing out thing may be that the slits would need to be so small it would take a huge amount of time for a cats wave-function to leak through - just a thought off the top of my head.

Thanks
Bill
 
Last edited:
Maybe the author is trying to say that:

The speed needs to be really slow, so as to reduce the momentum -- so that the wave-length is long enough?...for interference effects to show up.
 
San K said:
Maybe the author is trying to say that:
The speed needs to be really slow, so as to reduce the momentum -- so that the wave-length is long enough?...for interference effects to show up.

I thought it was fairly clear that he meant the time in between firings.

Thanks for both of the answers, I'm starting to get it now. Or at least I think I am :)
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Which-Path from Global Momentum Measurement in Double Slit
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
694
Undergrad Single vs. Double slit coherence clarification please
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
High School Double-slit experiment and time
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
High School Yet another double slit thought experiment...
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Undergrad Does a qubit break interference in the double slit experiment?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
High School What is causing destructive interference in double slit experiment?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
High School Double Double Slit Experiment -- Question about Variations
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Double-slit experiment, determining which slit an electron passed thru
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
Undergrad Is There A Study Showing The Observer Effect Ignoring Conscious Intent?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
High School Double slit experiment combined with Stern-Gerlach
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K