The forum discussion centers on the impact of varying slit widths in the two-slit experiment on the resulting interference pattern. Specifically, when one slit is significantly narrower than the other (e.g., half, 1%, or 0.1% the width), the interference pattern exhibits reduced contrast, characterized by 'lower peaks and higher valleys.' This phenomenon can be understood through the principles of Fourier transforms and convolution, which describe how the single slit envelope is affected by the differing widths of the slits. The discussion suggests that the resulting pattern may be a blend of single slit diffraction and double slit diffraction effects.
PREREQUISITESStudents of quantum mechanics, physicists, and anyone interested in the principles of wave interference and diffraction patterns.