Two slit experiment with a wavy screen

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the two-slit experiment and the concept of using a wavy detection screen that modulates to compensate for phase differences in the paths from the two slits. Participants explore the implications of such a modification on the angular distribution of the resulting interference pattern.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether the two-slit experiment has been conducted with a wavy screen and what the results would be regarding angular distribution.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of "compensate," suggesting that calculating phase differences for every point in space is possible, but diffraction effects must be considered if the screen is overly curved.
  • A participant proposes that modulating the detection screen could allow the two paths to arrive at a constant phase difference at every point, potentially eliminating maxima and minima in the interference pattern.
  • Another participant counters that achieving a constant phase difference across a continuous screen is not feasible without creating holes or using a very small screen, as phase differences are continuous.
  • One participant expresses confusion, suggesting that a detection screen could be designed to maintain a constant path difference from each slit, implying that modulation could be continuous.
  • A participant clarifies that points of constant path difference form a line radiating from the slits, indicating that such a screen would significantly affect light propagation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the feasibility of achieving a constant phase difference across a continuous detection screen, with some asserting it is impossible while others propose it could be designed that way.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of phase differences and the physical properties of the detection screen, which remain unresolved. The implications of diffraction and the design of the screen are also points of contention.

Jilang
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I was wondering if the two slit experiment has been performed with a wavy screen, the screen being modulated in such a way as to compensate for the difference in the phases of the paths from the two slits. If so what was the result in terms of the angular distribution? If not what would it be expected to be?
 
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What do you mean by "compensate"? For every point in space you can calculate the differences. If the screen is curved too much, you have to take diffraction there into account as well.
 
I meant to modulate the detection screen so that the two paths arrive at it at every point with a constant phase difference. Would it be possible to eliminate the maxima and minima?
 
Jilang said:
I meant to modulate the detection screen so that the two paths arrive at it at every point with a constant phase difference.
That is not possible unless you make holes in your screen (or use an extremely tiny screen). Phase difference is continuous for a continuous screen, so you cannot jump from one maximum to another for example.
 
I don't understand. Would it not be possible to design the detection screen so that each point had a constant path difference from each of the slits? The modulation would be continuous as would be the the phase difference.
 
The points of constant path difference without disturbance are a line that goes away (nearly) radially from the slits. Such a screen would influence the propagation of light significantly.
 
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OK, thanks!
 

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