Two slit experiments with things other than photons

In summary, the conversation is about the existence of two-slit experiments using particles other than photons, specifically with the constraint of having no more than one particle in the apparatus at a time. The conversation mentions experiments with electrons and inquires about the possibility of conducting similar experiments with atoms. The speaker also requests references for articles discussing these experiments, and a specific experiment with C60 is mentioned. A reference is provided for a double slit experiment with C60 and a brief review of other experiments using this setup is mentioned.
  • #1
Nereid
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This question has, no doubt, been answered before here ... but my quick search came up with nothing.

I'm interested to know what 'two-slit' experiments have been done, and published, using things other than photons.

In particular, versions in which 'no more than one in apparatus at any time' is an explicit part of the experiment.

I'm pretty sure there are some good ones, using electrons.

But what about other particles? Have there been any with atoms (esp with the constraint 'no more than one in apparatus at any time')?

References to papers available online (free, and not needing a subscription) would be much appreciated.
 
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  • #2
As far as I'm aware, experiments with C60something48 were conducted at this point.
 
  • #3
The following reference describes a double slit experiment with C60:
http://www.quantum.univie.ac.at/publications/pdffiles/2003-17.pdf

It also contains a brief review with references for other double slit experiments.
 
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Related to Two slit experiments with things other than photons

1. What is a two slit experiment with things other than photons?

A two slit experiment is a classic experiment in quantum mechanics that involves shooting particles, such as photons or electrons, through two parallel slits in a barrier. This experiment allows scientists to observe the wave-like behavior of particles, as they create an interference pattern on a screen behind the slits.

2. What other things have been used in two slit experiments?

Although photons and electrons are the most commonly used particles in two slit experiments, scientists have also successfully conducted the experiment with other types of particles, such as atoms, molecules, and even buckyballs (a type of carbon molecule).

3. How does the interference pattern change with different types of particles?

The interference pattern created by particles in a two slit experiment remains the same regardless of the type of particle used. However, the spacing and intensity of the pattern may differ depending on the characteristics of the particle, such as its mass, velocity, and wavelength.

4. Can the two slit experiment be done on a larger scale?

Yes, the two slit experiment has been successfully conducted with larger particles, such as viruses and even living organisms like bacteria and viruses. This demonstrates that the wave-like behavior observed in the experiment is not limited to subatomic particles.

5. What practical applications does the two slit experiment have?

Aside from furthering our understanding of quantum mechanics, the two slit experiment has practical applications in fields such as microscopy, lithography, and particle accelerators. It also plays a crucial role in technologies such as electron microscopy and quantum computing.

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