Two Slit Interference Experiment Variations

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on variations of the double-slit interference experiment, particularly focusing on single-photon and single-electron detections. Key references include the use of a 1.2-MV field emission transmission electron microscope for precise interference experiments and the significance of the "pre-Fraunhofer" condition in these setups. Notable experiments discussed include those conducted by Ken Harada et al. and Wolfgang Rueckner and Joseph Peidle, highlighting the intricate relationship between quantum mechanics and experimental conditions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of specific light intensity and timing in observing interference patterns.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with electron microscopy techniques, specifically 1.2-MV field emission transmission electron microscopes
  • Knowledge of interference patterns and conditions (Fraunhofer and Fresnel)
  • Experience with single-photon detection methods
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "pre-Fraunhofer condition" in interference experiments
  • Explore advanced electron microscopy techniques for quantum experiments
  • Study the implications of single-photon sources in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the role of light intensity and timing in interference patterns
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics researchers, and experimental scientists interested in the nuances of interference experiments and their implications in quantum theory.

Chas Tennis
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TL;DR
Many two slit experiments were done to test Quantum Mechanics.
Some two slit interference experiments involve measurements under special circumstances of light intensity, timing of irradiations, polarizations, etc. For example, for light intensity where only one photon is in the apparatus, interference was observed. A collection of references to these various interesting experiments would be useful.
Examples that have references to special two slit experiments :
https://sciencedemonstrations.fas.harvard.edu/presentations/single-photon-interference

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment

If you have an opinion on what you think the experiments tend to support and what they do not tend to support, please comment.

From the 1st example above,
"Comments:
Strictly speaking, we are not detecting single photons of light but rather single photoelectrons, liberated by the light impinging on the CCD.
......."

Note: searching with Google Scholar is very helpful.

Please post references.
 
Last edited:
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anuttarasammyak said:
AFAIK the video in website https://www.hitachi.com/rd/research/materials/quantum/doubleslit/index.html
is the first double slit experiment of electrons done one by one. I love it.
Nature Scientific Reports -

Google Search title and the full publication is available.

Interference experiment with asymmetric double slit by using1.2-MV field emission transmission electron microscope.

Ken Harada1,3, Tetsuya Akashi2,4, Kodai Niitsu 1, Keiko Shimada1, Yoshimasa A. Ono1,Daisuke Shindo1,5, Hiroyuki Shinada2 & Shigeo Mori3

Abstract
Advanced electron microscopy technologies have made it possible to perform precise double-slit interference experiments. We used a 1.2-MV field emission electron microscope providing coherent electron waves and a direct detection camera system enabling single-electron detections at a sub-second exposure time. We developed a method to perform the interference experiment by using an asymmetric double-slit fabricated by a focused ion beam instrument and by operating the microscope under a “pre-Fraunhofer” condition, different from the Fraunhofer condition of conventional double-slit experiments. Here, pre-Fraunhofer condition means that each single-slit observation was performed under the Fraunhofer condition, while the double-slit observations were performed under the Fresnel condition. The interference experiments with each single slit and with the asymmetric double slit were carried out under two different electron dose conditions: high-dose for calculation of electron probability distribution and low-dose for each single electron distribution. Finally, we exemplified the distribution of single electrons by color-coding according to the above three types of experiments as a composite image.
 
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I find another early demonstration on photon.

Young's interference experiment with single photons (Hamamatsu Photonics, 1982)

 
Last edited:
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Chas Tennis said:
TL;DR Summary: Many two slit experiments were done to test Quantum Mechanics.
Some two slit interference experiments involve measurements under special circumstances of light intensity, timing of irradiations, polarizations, etc. For example, for light intensity where only one photon is in the apparatus, interference was observed. A collection of references to these various interesting experiments would be useful.

Examples that have references to special two slit experiments :
https://sciencedemonstrations.fas.harvard.edu/presentations/single-photon-interference

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment

If you have an opinion on what you think the experiments tend to support and what they do not tend to support, please comment.

From the 1st example above,
"Comments:
Strictly speaking, we are not detecting single photons of light but rather single photoelectrons, liberated by the light impinging on the CCD.
......."

Note: searching with Google Scholar is very helpful.

Please post references.

Publication from the OP reference.

Young’s double-slit experiment with single photons and quantum eraser

Wolfgang Rueckner and Joseph Peidle
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138(Received 25 January 2012; accepted 19 August 2013)

Abstract
An apparatus for a double-slit interference experiment in the single-photon regime is described. The apparatus includes a which-path marker that destroys the interference as well as a quantum eraser that restores it. We present data taken with several light sources, coherent and incoherent and discuss the efficacy of these as sources of single photons. VC 2013 American Association of Physics Teachers.

https://sciencedemonstrations.fas.h...-demonstrations/files/single_photon_paper.pdf
 

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