What is the relation between wave function on a photon

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The discussion explores the relationship between the wave function of a photon and its classical wave equation in the context of a double-slit experiment. It outlines how the interference pattern arises from the superposition of waves, with intensity proportional to the square of the wave equation, linking it to the probability of photon detection. The conversation also touches on the implications of using a single slit and the uncertainty in momentum and position, which leads to superposition and interference effects. Additionally, it references the connection between Schrödinger's equation and the Helmholtz equation for further analysis. The thread emphasizes the need for clarity on the relationship between classical wave behavior and quantum mechanical wave functions.
Tigersharkmks
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... and its classical wave equation?
Suppose in our double sit experimental setup with the usual notion of d,D we have a light of known frequency (v) and wavelength (L)- so its y=Asin(kx-wt). It passes through the two hole and move ahead doing the usual interference stuff, so final wave equation will be y =y1 + y2 = 2A*cos(u/2)*sin(kx-wt+u/2) where u is the phase difference. We can convert phase difference 'u' to path difference 'q'. Now we choose the point of interest on screen (s) which essentially depend upon q. So the final y at s is y=2A*cos(a*s)sin(kx-wt+a*s) where a is constant. Now this y implies a set of wave (because different values s corresponds to interference of different wave with different phase difference) and is function of variable s,x,t. Now since I have put screen at some x (=D), therefore the y reduces to function of two variable s,t. Now rewriting y=2A*cos(u/2)sin(u/2 -wt +kD) which is also a wave equation (but with different meaning). Now the screen acts as our x-axis (or to be precise u-axis). Now intensity is proportional to to sq of wave eqn written above which in turns depends upon u. And what we know is intensity is proportional to number of photon, so we postulate that probability of a photon to hit certain u is proportional to intensity = wave eq ^2. Now is the function y I have written above is psi(wave function) of quantum mechanics with u acting as x(in psi). If not, then what is their relation between them. I have other things to ask depending upon your response. Thank you!
 
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Forget this wave particle analysis of the double slit:
http://arxiv.org/ftp/quant-ph/papers/0703/0703126.pdf

What's really going on is this.

Consider just one slit for a moment and we will use electrons for definiteness. Just behind the slit it has a definite position along the screen. This means its momentum along the screen is totally unknown so it will scatter in an unknown direction and hit the screen at an unknown location. Now imagine you have two slits - its not in a definite position behing the screen because a detector placed just behing the screen will give either one or the other slit. This means its state is a superposition of the states of exact position - and that why you get interference.

If you insist on that kind of analysis see the following:
http://arxiv.org/abs/1009.2408

But its a more difficult approach showing the Schroedinger's equation reduces to the Helmholtz Equation.

Thanks
Bill
 
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. Towards the end of the first lecture for the Qiskit Global Summer School 2025, Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, Olivia Lanes (Global Lead, Content and Education IBM) stated... Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/quantum-entanglement-is-a-kinematic-fact-not-a-dynamical-effect/ by @RUTA

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