Has the double slit experiment been conducted without a detector?

In summary, the conversation discusses the double slit experiment and the behavior of quantum particles as both waves and particles. It mentions that the experiment has been performed multiple times and that knowing which slit the particle goes through eliminates the interference pattern. The use of light instead of particles in the experiment is also mentioned.
  • #1
b1ll
2
0
Hi,
I was watching a Royal Institution lecture on this experiment. Using light, it's not quantum physics, it's waves; when the lecturer considered using particles, like individual atoms, and no detector, you get bands like an interference pattern. Is this something that has actually been done or is it some sort of thought experiment? Brian Cox showed something similar, concerning elections, but I couldn't make out if that is something that had been done in fact. The pint about no detector was baffling too.
If someone could she'd some light please. Thank you for your time.
Regards,
b1ll.
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PhysicsForums, b1ll!

A quantum particle can at varying times exhibit either wave or particle behavior. So in the double slit experiment: when you know (or could know) which slit the particle went through, there is no interference pattern created.

This experiment has been performed many many times, and on a variety of types of particles.
 
  • #3
Thank you Dr Chinese. It settles my mind that these things are fact! Thank you for your welcome. B1ll.
 

Related to Has the double slit experiment been conducted without a detector?

1. What is the Double Slit Experiment?

The Double Slit Experiment is a classic physics experiment that demonstrates the wave-particle duality of light. It involves shining a beam of light through two parallel slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen behind the slits.

2. Why is the Double Slit Experiment important?

The Double Slit Experiment is important because it shows that light can behave as both a wave and a particle. This challenged the traditional understanding of light as only a wave and paved the way for the development of quantum mechanics.

3. What does the Double Slit Experiment tell us about the nature of light?

The Double Slit Experiment tells us that light can behave as both a wave and a particle, depending on how it is observed. This is known as wave-particle duality and is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics.

4. How does the Double Slit Experiment work?

The Double Slit Experiment works by sending a beam of light through two parallel slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen. This pattern is created by the overlapping of light waves from the two slits, demonstrating the wave-like nature of light.

5. What are some real-world applications of the Double Slit Experiment?

The Double Slit Experiment has many real-world applications, including in the development of quantum technologies, such as quantum computers and quantum cryptography. It has also been used to study the behavior of other particles, such as electrons, and has led to advancements in our understanding of the nature of matter.

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