What Is the Occurrence Rate of Path Integral in a Photon Double-Slit Experiment?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the occurrence rate of different paths a photon may take in a double-slit experiment, specifically focusing on the concepts of 'Path Integral', curved shots, and normal shots. Participants explore the theoretical implications of these paths and their relation to the path integral formulation in quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the frequency of different photon paths ('Path Integral', curved shot, and normal shot) in a double-slit experiment.
  • Another participant expresses confusion regarding the terms used and requests clarification and references.
  • A further response attempts to clarify that a "normal shot" refers to a straight path of the photon, while curved and elaborate paths are part of the path integral used to calculate probabilities in the experiment.
  • It is noted that the original question may stem from a misconception about the nature of these paths, suggesting that they do not represent different outcomes in multiple runs of the experiment.
  • A participant references a paper that discusses the complexities of the double-slit setup at higher accuracy, indicating that the simplicity of the experiment diminishes under certain conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the interpretation of the terms and concepts related to photon paths in the double-slit experiment. There is no consensus on the original question posed about occurrence rates.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential misconceptions about the nature of photon paths in the context of the path integral formulation, as well as the need for clearer definitions and references to avoid confusion.

HexHammer
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TL;DR
Double Slit Experiment
Hi forgive my very ignorant question.

How frequently does 'Path Integral', curved shot and normal shot happen out of say 100 shots with a photon?
 
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I have no idea what that means.
 
HexHammer said:
Path Integral', curved shot and normal shot

What do you mean by these terms?

A reference would help.
 
PeterDonis said:
What do you mean by these terms?

A reference would help.
A "normal shot" is when the photon goes straight, but some times it will go in a curve, and then some times it will go in a crazy path making elaborate circles.

It was Richard Feynman that found this. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Path_integral_formulation

Three_paths_from_A_to_B.png
 
HexHammer said:
A "normal shot" is when the photon goes straight, but some times it will go in a curve, and then some times it will go in a crazy path making elaborate circles.

These are not descriptions of different ways a photon will go in different runs of a double slit experiment. They are descriptions of paths that are included in the path integral that calculates the probability for a photon to be detected at a particular point on the detector in a single run of the experiment. So the question you are asking in the OP is unanswerable since it's based on a misconception about what the different paths are.
 
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PeterDonis said:
These are not descriptions of different ways a photon will go in different runs of a double slit experiment. They are descriptions of paths that are included in the path integral that calculates the probability for a photon to be detected at a particular point on the detector in a single run of the experiment. So the question you are asking in the OP is unanswerable since it's based on a misconception about what the different paths are.
Many thanks, that's all i needed to hear.
 

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