What happens to the amplitude of a photon in the double slit experiment?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter San K
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Amplitude Photon
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The amplitude of a photon is divided when it passes through a double slit, as demonstrated in the double slit experiment. However, a single photon itself does not get divided; it impacts the screen at a single point. The phenomenon observed is a result of quantum theory, which predicts a diffraction pattern when multiple photons are used, even when they are sent one at a time. This highlights the relationship between photon amplitude and probability distribution in quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with the double slit experiment
  • Knowledge of photon properties and behavior
  • Basic concepts of probability in quantum systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formulation of the double slit experiment
  • Explore the concept of photon amplitude and its implications in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the Mach-Zehnder interferometer and its applications
  • Investigate the relationship between photon behavior and electromagnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of light behavior and quantum theory.

San K
Messages
905
Reaction score
1
the amplitude of a photon gets divided when it goes through a double slit or through a mach-zender (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mach%E2%80%93Zehnder_interferometer

what is amplitude of a photon? is it simply related to probability or is it, in any way, to the EM fields?

what gets divided?..when a photon passes through the double slit

we know that the photon is the smallest quanta of energy and cannot be divided
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
A single photon doesn't get divided. In the double slit experiment it will hit the screen in one spot. Quantum theory gives us the distribution of spots when many photons are used (even one at a time) - diffraction pattern.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Which-Path from Global Momentum Measurement in Double Slit
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
High School How is energy transferred from a wave to a photon?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Undergrad Double slit experiment with observer
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
High School Yet another double slit thought experiment...
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Undergrad "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
9K
High School Gravitational signature of a photon in a double slit experiment
  • · Replies 75 ·
3
Replies
75
Views
6K
Undergrad Delayed quantum eraser: turning off sensor to bring back interference
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Undergrad Interference in double-slit with single photons
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Undergrad Is There A Study Showing The Observer Effect Ignoring Conscious Intent?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Undergrad Double-slit experiment with momentum entangled pair of photons
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K