What happens when we insert detectors in a delayed choice experiment?

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The discussion centers on the implications of inserting detectors in a delayed choice experiment involving an electron gun emitting electrons through two slits, S1 and S2. When the screen is up, an interference pattern emerges, while lowering the screen results in detection at telescopes T1 or T2 with equal probability. The introduction of an array of detectors between the slits and the screen alters the detection pattern, raising questions about the influence of which-slit information on the interference pattern. The consensus is that the presence of detectors affects the outcome, but the significance of varying the screen's position remains unclear.

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entropy15
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Consider the below (figure 1), an electron gun is made to emit electrons one by one through two slits S1 and S2.
There is a screen at the other side and a pair of telescopes (with electron detectors inside them) T1 and T2 trained on the slits S1 and S2 respectively.
We can choose to bring down the screen even after the electron has crossed the slits.

If we choose to keep the screen up, we get an interference pattern as more and more electrons move through the slits.
But if we choose to remove the screen the electron is always detected either at T1 or T2 with a 50:50 chance.

Now if we choose to insert an array of detectors in between the slits and the screen/telescopes (figure 2), the electron will be detected in only one of the detectors in the array as it moves from the slits to the screen.

How does the detector affect the entire set up?

Consider that we have the screen up. Since we have the detectors the interference pattern should disappear.
If we have the screen down, then the electron shows up only at either of the telescopes.
So wouldn't the electron be detected at the detectors which are in line with the telescopes T1 and T2.

The question is whether there would be any difference in the detection pattern (at the detector array) depending on whether the screen is up or down?


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Welcome to PhysicsForums, entropy15!

The setup you propose is not clear to me as to what you are varying that is of significance.

The usual rule is the pattern changes according to whether or not which-slit information is available (in principle, regardless of whether the observer actually obtains it). So I am not sure I see where this element is being varied. Raising or lowering the screen doesn't change that.
 

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