What Is The Nature Of Absorption Randomity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of randomness in photon absorption, particularly in the context of the double slit experiment with single photon emissions. Participants explore the mechanisms behind the probabilistic nature of photon detection and the underlying principles of quantum mechanics (QM).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the nature of randomness in photon absorption, referencing the double slit experiment and the probability distribution of photon detection.
  • Another participant suggests that a detector beyond human capability monitors the absorption process.
  • A clarification is made that "monitor" refers to control or regulation rather than mere detection.
  • Some participants assert that the complex laws of quantum mechanics govern these phenomena.
  • One participant mentions a paper that purportedly addresses the posed problem using basic calculus and algebra, implying that the randomness is not as mysterious as it seems.
  • Another participant discusses the role of uncertainty relations in determining the state of a photon as it passes through the slit, leading to a random direction and the resultant interference pattern.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of randomness and control in photon absorption, with no consensus reached on the underlying mechanisms or interpretations of quantum mechanics.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on assumptions about the nature of quantum mechanics and the interpretation of randomness, which are not universally accepted. The discussion includes references to specific papers and principles that may not be fully resolved or agreed upon by all participants.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring quantum mechanics, the double slit experiment, and the philosophical implications of randomness in physics.

Chris Frisella
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What is the nature of the randomity that results in where a photon is absorbed? I'm thinking of the double slit experiment with single photon emmisions. There is the greatest probability of absorption in the middle reagon, but despite that the photon sometimes goes to one of the far sides. What monitors this?
 
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What monitors this is some form of detector beyond the capability of the human eye.
 
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houlahound said:
What monitors this is some form of detector beyond the capability of the human eye.
I get that. By "monitor" I mean control or regulate.
 
The complex laws of nature ie QM.
 
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houlahound said:
The complex laws of nature ie QM.
We need to get this less mysterious one of these days!
 
QM describes the behavior which is "controlled" by the complex interaction of fields/potentials and energy.

There is an excellent paper often quoted on the PF that fully solves the problem you have posed using only first year college calc and algebra.

There is no mystery per se, just some well defined rules.
 
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Chris Frisella said:
We need to get this less mysterious one of these days!

It not that mysterious:
https://arxiv.org/ftp/quant-ph/papers/0703/0703126.pdf

Due to the uncertainty relations as it goes through the slit a position measurement is done and its state is changed to one with a random direction. When you have two slits you apply the principle of superposition and add the two states together. When you do that you get the interference pattern.

Thanks
Bill
 
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