Two slit experiment - variable detector

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the two slit experiment in quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on the implications of variable detector accuracy on the resulting interference patterns. Participants explore how tuning the accuracy of detectors affects the diffraction pattern and the nature of particle behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether varying the accuracy of detectors would produce patterns that are intermediate between full diffraction and full particle-like patterns.
  • Another participant suggests that varying the amount of knowledge obtained from the detectors correlates with the amount of diffraction observed.
  • It is proposed that varying the information lost to the environment also influences the interference pattern, as both the detectors and the screen are being observed.
  • A further inquiry is made about the impact of introducing electrical noise to the detector and whether this would similarly affect the diffraction pattern.
  • One participant argues that adding electrical noise would not alter the interference pattern, emphasizing that the critical factor is the information obtained from the screen rather than the detectors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effects of detector accuracy and the nature of information loss. While some agree that varying knowledge affects diffraction, there is contention regarding the role of how that knowledge is altered, particularly in relation to adding noise to the detectors.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not reach a consensus on how different methods of reducing detector accuracy influence the interference pattern, leaving the discussion open to interpretation and further exploration.

tj8888
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I have a question about the situation with the two slit experiment where detectors are placed by the two slits to determine which slit the particle has gone through (and destroy the diffraction pattern).

Okay, so what I'm wondering is what happens if the detectors' accuracy is not fixed, but can be tuned. As you alter the accuracy of the detectors would you then get patterns midway between the full diffraction pattern and the full particle-like pattern? By accuracy I mean the ability to determine the particles position (I realize that in QM the particle doesn't actually have a position).
 
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tj8888 said:
I have a question about the situation with the two slit experiment where detectors are placed by the two slits to determine which slit the particle has gone through (and destroy the diffraction pattern).

Okay, so what I'm wondering is what happens if the detectors' accuracy is not fixed, but can be tuned. As you alter the accuracy of the detectors would you then get patterns midway between the full diffraction pattern and the full particle-like pattern? By accuracy I mean the ability to determine the particles position (I realize that in QM the particle doesn't actually have a position).

Sure, if you vary the amount of knowledge you get, you vary the amount of diffraction.
 
DrChinese said:
Sure, if you vary the amount of knowledge you get, you vary the amount of diffraction.

If you vary the amount of information that is lost to the environment, you vary the amount of interference. Note that you are not only observing the detectors, you are also observing the screen (and interference pattern).
 
DrChinese said:
Sure, if you vary the amount of knowledge you get, you vary the amount of diffraction.

Would it matter how the accuracy of the detector is reduced? Let's say you reduce the amount of knowledge by just adding a circuit to the detector that adds electrical noise to the results. Would that decrease in knowledge work as well to adjust the diffraction?
 
tj8888 said:
Would it matter how the accuracy of the detector is reduced? Let's say you reduce the amount of knowledge by just adding a circuit to the detector that adds electrical noise to the results. Would that decrease in knowledge work as well to adjust the diffraction?

No. Adding the electric circuit would not change the interference pattern. The amount of knowledge that you get from observing the detectors does not matter. What matters is the amount of information that you get from observing the screen. That amount would be less if you place which-path detectors on the way.
 
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