Two Slit Interference Experiment Variations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around various two-slit interference experiments, particularly those involving single photons and electrons. Participants explore different experimental setups, methodologies, and the implications of these experiments on quantum mechanics. The scope includes theoretical considerations, experimental designs, and references to notable studies in the field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference specific experiments, such as those conducted by Hamamatsu Photonics in 1982, which demonstrated interference with single photons.
  • One participant highlights a video from Hitachi showcasing the first double-slit experiment with electrons conducted one by one.
  • A publication is mentioned that discusses advanced electron microscopy techniques used to perform double-slit interference experiments under unique conditions, including asymmetric slits and different electron dose conditions.
  • Participants note that many two-slit experiments test quantum mechanics under varying conditions, such as light intensity and timing of irradiations, with some observing interference even when only one photon is present in the apparatus.
  • There is a discussion about the distinction between detecting single photons and single photoelectrons, with a participant emphasizing the importance of this clarification.
  • References to various studies and publications are shared, suggesting a collection of interesting experiments related to the two-slit phenomenon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the implications of the experiments discussed, with no clear consensus on what the experiments tend to support or refute. Multiple competing perspectives on the interpretations of the results and methodologies remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on specific experimental setups and conditions, as well as unresolved aspects of the methodologies discussed, such as the implications of using asymmetric slits and varying electron doses.

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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