Can the Mach-Zehnder interferometer be used as a which-way detector for photons?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer as a which-way detector, similar to the double-slit experiment. However, in the MZ interferometer, the wave takes both paths simultaneously, making it unsuitable for detecting the path of a wave. If the photon is considered a particle, a different interpretation of quantum mechanics, such as the Bohmian interpretation, must be used. In this case, the actual trajectory of the particle would be opposite to the classical trajectory.
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San K
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can we find which-way in mach-zender? just like we do in double-slit

like the one given below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mach%E2%80%93Zehnder_interferometer"

if so, what would the results be similar to double-slit? i.e. the photon will either take upper arm or lower arm path...in a random manner but not behave as if it took both at the same time...
 
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In MZ the wave takes both paths (it's not a problem for a wave), so it cannot be used for a which-way detector of a wave. But if you think that photon is not a wave but a particle that takes a single path, then you must use a concrete interpretation of QM different from the standard interpretation. The best known interpretation of this kind is the Bohmian one, but in this case the actual trajectory is ˝opposite˝ to the naive classical trajectory.
 

FAQ: Can the Mach-Zehnder interferometer be used as a which-way detector for photons?

1. What is the "which-way" problem in mach-zender?

The "which-way" problem in mach-zender refers to the issue of determining which path a photon takes when traveling through the interferometer. This problem arises because the photon can take either the upper or lower path, and the act of measuring or detecting the photon's path can change its behavior and destroy the interference pattern.

2. How does the mach-zender interferometer work?

The mach-zender interferometer is a device that uses a beam splitter to divide a single light beam into two separate beams. These beams then travel along different paths before recombining to create an interference pattern. By adjusting the length of one of the paths, the interference pattern can be manipulated, allowing for the measurement of small changes in the length of the path.

3. What is the role of the beam splitter in mach-zender interferometry?

The beam splitter is a crucial component of the mach-zender interferometer as it is responsible for dividing the initial light beam into two separate beams. This allows for the creation of an interference pattern when the two beams recombine. The beam splitter is typically made of a partially-reflective glass or mirror, which allows some of the light to pass through while reflecting the rest.

4. What is the significance of the interference pattern in mach-zender interferometry?

The interference pattern in mach-zender interferometry is crucial as it provides information about the relative lengths of the two paths taken by the light beams. By analyzing the interference pattern, scientists can measure small changes in the length of one of the paths, making it a valuable tool for precision measurements and experiments.

5. How is the "which-way" problem addressed in mach-zender interferometry?

The "which-way" problem is typically addressed in mach-zender interferometry by using a detector to measure one of the beams and determine its path. However, this measurement will destroy the interference pattern, so it is only used in certain situations where the interference pattern is not essential. Another approach is to use quantum entanglement, where the paths of the photons are correlated, so measuring one path will also reveal the other path without destroying the interference pattern.

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