Which way detector (hardware) information

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the hardware used for which way detectors in the double slit experiment, specifically focusing on the detection of photons without obstructing their path. Participants are seeking real-world experimental setups and descriptions rather than theoretical or thought experiments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for information on actual hardware used in which way detectors, emphasizing the importance of real-world experiments over theoretical discussions.
  • Another participant shares links to various resources related to photon detection, including avalanche photodiodes and other detection technologies.
  • A participant notes that typical photon detectors would absorb photons, thus preventing them from contributing to interference patterns, and seeks alternatives that would allow photons to pass through while still being detected.
  • Some participants share links to educational resources and papers, but there is a consensus that these do not address the specific hardware requirements for the desired experimental setup.
  • One participant acknowledges a misunderstanding of the original inquiry and offers apologies.
  • Another participant mentions that shared links have been useful for answering questions in other threads, indicating a collaborative effort to gather information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for specific hardware information but have not reached a consensus on the existence or design of detectors that meet the criteria of detecting photons without blocking them.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about whether the experiments have been conducted with the type of detectors they are seeking, indicating a lack of clarity on the practical implementation of such devices.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in experimental physics, photon detection technologies, and the double slit experiment may find this discussion relevant.

DarioC
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I am still searching the net for information on the actual hardware used for the which way detector(s) in the double slit experiment(s), and descriptions of the experiments as really performed in the real world. I am NOT referring to the "screen" at the pathway termination used to detect the interference pattern. I am thinking in terms of photons, but anything would be helpful at this point.

Thus far I have tracked down about 20 papers with "thought" experiments. No help there.

The only one close that I have found so far is the "recent" Italian experiment that uses a TEM, but no detectors as such.

Be back later to check. Thanks.

DC
 
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DarioC said:
I am still searching the net for information on the actual hardware used for the which way detector(s) in the double slit experiment(s), and descriptions of the experiments as really performed in the real world. I am NOT referring to the "screen" at the pathway termination used to detect the interference pattern. I am thinking in terms of photons, but anything would be helpful at this point.

Thus far I have tracked down about 20 papers with "thought" experiments. No help there.

The only one close that I have found so far is the "recent" Italian experiment that uses a TEM, but no detectors as such.

Be back later to check. Thanks.

DC
Entangled photon apparatus for the undergraduate laboratory

http://www.lasercomponents.com/de/fileadmin/user_upload/home/Datasheets/lc/applikationsreport/avalanche-photodiodes.pdf

arxiv search for single photon avalanche photodiode in the abstract

arxiv search for single photon detection in the abstract

Momentum kicks due to quantum localization

Avalanche photodiodes and quenching circuits for single-photon detection

http://www.pacer.co.uk/jkcm/Products/Categories/Detectors/Photon+Counting+Modules?referrer=AZOOPTICS

http://www.boselec.com/products/documents/idQproductlineoverview.pdf
 
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I have looked at just a few of each list of suggested links, and thus far I have a 100% sample of the information that, while really good reading on detectors in general, it is obvious that anyone of these photon detectors would intercept all of the energy of any photon that struck it. That would certainly stop the interference.

What I am looking for is information on the type of "detector" that will detect the passage of a photon, but allow it to go on it's way, however changed, if changed, to strike the scintillating screen or other strike position recording device.

That is to say that strike recording type detectors block the photon and will not work for the interference negation experiment.

If, in fact I am barking up the wrong tree, so to speak, and the experiment is not or was not done with such a device, someone please advise me so.

I will check the remainder of the links, looks like pretty good reading. Thanks.

DC
 
Sorry, I misunderstood what you were looking for.
 
Came out good Thomas; I passed one of your links on to answer a gentleman's question in another thread here in addition to them all being informative for me.
DC
Edit: "Momentum Kicks" has some goodies in it.
 
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