Variation of the Double Slit Experiment

In summary, the conversation discusses the results of an experiment that shows the existence of a virtual photon field and its role in the interference pattern observed in the double slit experiment. The possibility of the existence of a vacuum field, which includes the virtual photon field, is also mentioned. The discussion then shifts to the expansion of space and its relationship with dimensions, as well as the linearity of equations in physics. The conversation ends with a discussion on the complexity of nature and the role of the photon in simplifying it.
  • #1
McQueen
256
0
This experiment which is a variation of the double slit experiment , has actually been conducted. We have (a) the source of electrons, (b) screen 1 ( with the double slit ) and finally (c) screen 2 , where the particles are registered. Near the slits in screen 1 and on the far side from the source of electrons are placed (a) light sources , one for each slit , and (b) photodetectors designed for observing the passage of electrons through the screen with slits (the photodetectors register light scattered by the electrons ) . If the electron passes simultaneously through both slits both the photodetectors are activated simultaneously . But if the electron passes through either one of the slits , only one detector is activated ; in this case we can also tell through which slit the electron passes. So we place an electron source at the source and switch on the light sources used for scattering of the electrons after they pass through the slits . We shall assume that the electrons pass through the slits one by one : the source emits an electron only after the preceding one has reached the detector screen. What does the experiment show ? It always turns out that only one photodetector (either right or left ) is activated and that both photodetectors are never activated simultaneously . It means that the electron passes not through two slits but only through one. Moreover , we can always indicate the slit through which any electron passes.
It may again be surmised , in order to explain the interference pattern , that the electron which passes through one slit in some way perceives the neighbouring slit by some secret means , while passing through the slit . It is best not to jump to conclusions but to carry out the experiment over and over again until a sufficiently large number of events of electron detection on screen 2 is obtained and to see how they are distributed. But here we are in for a big , big surprise . On screen 2 we get not the interference pattern that we had expected but an additive pattern !
The point to be made here as far as ‘New Field Theory , is concerned , is that this experiment practically proves , without any doubt the existence of a virtual photon field and that this field is responsible for the interference pattern which exists when no detectors or light sources are present.
:biggrin:
 
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  • #2
By using the term "virtual," physicists mean "cannot be seen." We can call it "vacuum field" and this can also be responsible for the interference pattern. The vacuum field can definitely include the virtual photon field and much more.
 
  • #3
Thanks Antonio , so what this means in fact is that the Double Slit Experiment , which is one of the corner stones of Quantum Physics , said to be capable of proving any number of postulates about Quantum Theory from wave particle Duality to the Many Worlds Theory , can if interpreted from a different point of view actually prove the existence of the Vacuum field (which let's face it is in fact an aether theory ) .
 
  • #4
Agree with you on that. The aether theory, I think, was revived and rename as space. The universal expansion is really an expansion of space itself (properly spacetime).

What I really want to know is whether the expansion of space necessarily increase the dimension of space. Maybe this is just another stupid question on my part. There are more and more theories, e.g. string theories, that require the space part of dimension going higher and higher, while the time dimension remains one dimensional.
 
  • #5
...the assumption of superposition relationships between the states leads to a mathematical theory in which the equations that define a state are linear in the unknowns. In consequence of this , people have tried to establish analogies with systems in classical mechanics , such as vibrating strings or membranes , which are governed by linear equations and for which therefore a superposition principle holds ... Dirac
 
  • #6
I keep on believing that nature is basically nonlinear. That all linear theories are just models of very small approximation for a specific solution of a much wider general solution.

The constancy of light speed and other properties of the photon seem to make everything less complex and the superposition principle possible.
 

Related to Variation of the Double Slit Experiment

1. What is the double slit experiment?

The double slit experiment is a classic experiment in physics that demonstrates the wave-particle duality of light. It involves shining a beam of light through two parallel slits and observing the interference pattern that is created on a screen behind the slits.

2. How does the variation of the double slit experiment work?

The variation of the double slit experiment involves changing certain parameters, such as the distance between the slits or the wavelength of the light, to observe how it affects the interference pattern. This allows scientists to study the behavior of light under different conditions and gain a better understanding of its properties.

3. What does the variation of the double slit experiment reveal about light?

The variation of the double slit experiment has revealed that light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like behavior, depending on the conditions. When the experiment is set up with a single slit, light behaves like a wave and creates an interference pattern. However, when the experiment is set up with a detector at one of the slits, light behaves like a particle and no interference pattern is observed.

4. How does the variation of the double slit experiment relate to quantum mechanics?

The variation of the double slit experiment is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics. It demonstrates the principle of superposition, where a particle can exist in multiple states at the same time, and the role of observation in determining the behavior of particles. It also highlights the wave-particle duality of light, which is a key concept in quantum mechanics.

5. What are some real-world applications of the variation of the double slit experiment?

The variation of the double slit experiment has been applied in various fields, including optics, quantum computing, and cryptography. It has also been used to study the behavior of other particles, such as electrons and atoms, and has led to advancements in our understanding of the quantum world.

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