Two slit experiment with a wavy screen

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of performing the two slit experiment with a wavy screen that is modulated to compensate for the differences in phase between the two paths from the slits. The result in terms of angular distribution is uncertain and it is suggested that holes in the screen may be necessary to achieve a constant phase difference. It is also mentioned that such a screen would significantly influence the propagation of light.
  • #1
Jilang
1,116
72
I was wondering if the two slit experiment has been performed with a wavy screen, the screen being modulated in such a way as to compensate for the difference in the phases of the paths from the two slits. If so what was the result in terms of the angular distribution? If not what would it be expected to be?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What do you mean by "compensate"? For every point in space you can calculate the differences. If the screen is curved too much, you have to take diffraction there into account as well.
 
  • #3
I meant to modulate the detection screen so that the two paths arrive at it at every point with a constant phase difference. Would it be possible to eliminate the maxima and minima?
 
  • #4
Jilang said:
I meant to modulate the detection screen so that the two paths arrive at it at every point with a constant phase difference.
That is not possible unless you make holes in your screen (or use an extremely tiny screen). Phase difference is continuous for a continuous screen, so you cannot jump from one maximum to another for example.
 
  • #5
I don't understand. Would it not be possible to design the detection screen so that each point had a constant path difference from each of the slits? The modulation would be continuous as would be the the phase difference.
 
  • #6
The points of constant path difference without disturbance are a line that goes away (nearly) radially from the slits. Such a screen would influence the propagation of light significantly.
 
  • Like
Likes Jilang and bhobba
  • #7
OK, thanks!
 

Related to Two slit experiment with a wavy screen

1. How does the two slit experiment with a wavy screen work?

The two slit experiment with a wavy screen is a variation of the classic double slit experiment in which a beam of particles or waves is passed through two slits and creates an interference pattern on a screen behind them. In this variation, the screen has a wavy surface, which causes the beam to diffract and create a unique interference pattern.

2. What is the purpose of using a wavy screen in the experiment?

The purpose of using a wavy screen is to demonstrate the wave-like behavior of particles, such as electrons, that are usually thought of as having only particle-like properties. The wavy screen causes the particles to diffract, or spread out, as they pass through the slits, creating an interference pattern that can only be explained by wave-like behavior.

3. How does the distance between the slits and the screen affect the interference pattern in the two slit experiment with a wavy screen?

The distance between the slits and the screen, also known as the slit-screen distance, affects the interference pattern by changing the angle at which the waves from the two slits converge. This angle determines the spacing of the peaks and valleys in the interference pattern, so changing the distance can result in a different pattern.

4. Can the two slit experiment with a wavy screen be used to study particles other than light or electrons?

Yes, the two slit experiment with a wavy screen can be used to study any type of particle that exhibits wave-like behavior, such as protons, neutrons, or even larger molecules. The key is to use a screen with a wavy surface that is appropriate for the wavelength of the particles being studied.

5. What implications does the two slit experiment with a wavy screen have for our understanding of the nature of particles?

The two slit experiment with a wavy screen challenges our traditional understanding of particles as having only particle-like properties. It suggests that particles also have wave-like properties and that their behavior is dependent on the experimental setup. This has led to the development of new theories, such as quantum mechanics, to better explain the nature of particles and their behavior.

Similar threads

I Quantum Mechanics vs Einstein: Light Btwn Black Holes, Double Slit Experiment
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
831
I Why do orthogonal polarizers at slits eliminate interference pattern?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
28
Views
683
A Double double slit experiment and path information
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
760
I Free particle probability distribution
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
22
Views
961
I Is it possible for a BBO crystal to produce an interference pattern?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
680
I How non-conscious can an Observer be and cause wave function collapse?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
23
Views
2K
I Repulsion before the screen in a double-slit experiment
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
11
Views
845
I Have You Heard of the SEW Experiment? Thoughts?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
370
B Questions about double slit experiments
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
33
Views
2K
I "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
36
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top