Two slit experiment - quantum theory - problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the average number of photons registered behind pinhole 1 in the two-slit experiment, represented by the equation \bar{n}_1=\langle n|a_{1}^{+}a_{1}|n\rangle=\frac{\langle 0|(a^{+})^{n}a_{1}^{+}a_{1}(a^{+})^{n}|0\rangle}{n!}. The user employs the creation and annihilation operators a^{+}=\frac{(a_{1}^{+}+a_{2}^{+})}{\sqrt{2}} and a=\frac{(a_{1}+a_{2})}{\sqrt{2}} to derive that \bar{n}_1=\frac{1}{2}. A crucial point raised is the necessity of specifying the presence of detectors at the slits, which impacts the photon registration outcome.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, particularly the two-slit experiment.
  • Familiarity with creation and annihilation operators in quantum field theory.
  • Knowledge of photon statistics and their implications in quantum optics.
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate quantum state notation, such as |n\rangle.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Feynman Lectures on Physics, Volume 3, focusing on quantum mechanics and the two-slit experiment.
  • Learn about the implications of detector placement in quantum experiments.
  • Explore the mathematical foundations of quantum optics, specifically photon creation and destruction operators.
  • Investigate the statistical behavior of photons in quantum systems and their measurement outcomes.
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, physicists interested in quantum optics, and anyone studying the two-slit experiment and its implications on photon behavior.

dageki
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Hi, I'm new and I'm from Poland.
I have problem with equation(average number of photons registered behind pinhole 1 in two slit experiment):
\bar{n}_1=\langle n|a_{1}^{+}a_{1}|n\rangle=\frac{\langle 0|(a^{+})^{n}a_{1}^{+}a_{1}(a^{+})^{n}|0\rangle}{n!}
using:
a^{+}=\frac{(a_{1}^{+}+a_{2}^{+})}{ \sqrt{2}}
and
a=\frac{(a_{1}+a_{2})}{\sqrt{2}}
and
|n\rangle=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n!}}(a^{+})^{n}|0\rangle
and using usual creation and destruction oprator properties, to give finally :
\bar{n}_1=\frac{1}{2}

I have no idea how to do it...
Big thnx
 
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dageki said:
Hi, I'm new and I'm from Poland.
I have problem with equation(average number of photons registered behind pinhole 1 in two slit experiment):
\bar{n}_1=\langle n|a_{1}^{+}a_{1}|n\rangle=\frac{\langle 0|(a^{+})^{n}a_{1}^{+}a_{1}(a^{+})^{n}|0\rangle}{n!}
using:
a^{+}=\frac{(a_{1}^{+}+a_{2}^{+})}{ \sqrt{2}}
and
a=\frac{(a_{1}+a_{2})}{\sqrt{2}}
and
|n\rangle=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n!}}(a^{+})^{n}|0\rangle
and using usual creation and destruction oprator properties, to give finally :
\bar{n}_1=\frac{1}{2}

I have no idea how to do it...
Big thnx

Welcome
Hi i think that you must specify that whether there is a detector or not at any of the slits and whether the other slit is open or not.Other wise refer volume three of feynman lectures
 
We have a stream of photons incident on a pair of identical pinholes. We assume that only a single mode of the cavity (cavity formed by the lens and the first screen) is excited, with photon creation and destruction operators

a^{+}

and

a

We suppose that the two piholes provide the only means for photons in the cavity.For pinholes of equal size, the incident photons are equally likely to be registered in mode 1 or 2.

Still I don't know how to prove it.
I will be grateful for help.
 

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