Two slit experiment - quantum theory - problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the calculation of the average number of photons registered behind pinhole 1 in the two-slit experiment, specifically using the equation for photon creation and destruction operators. The user is unsure how to derive the result of 0.5 for the average number of photons, given the assumptions about the photon modes and the setup of the experiment. Another participant emphasizes the importance of specifying whether a detector is present at either slit and the conditions of the slits being open. They reference Feynman's lectures for further clarification on the topic. The conversation highlights the complexities of quantum theory and the need for precise definitions in experimental setups.
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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