Beam splitting experiment with single photon

In summary, the experimental setup consists of a source emitting one photon at a time, followed by a beam splitter dividing the output into three possible paths of equal probability. A second splitter further splits one of the paths into two equal paths. At the end of each path, there are photon detectors M1, M2, M3, and M4. The probability of M3 or M4 clicking is either 1/6 or 1/4, with the probabilities of M1 and M2 remaining unchanged due to the setup having a tree structure.
  • #1
entropy15
38
0
?temp_hash=94fdb2ebde42c7c42c082589bf04f27c.png



Consider the above experimental setup.
Here the source can emit one photon at a time.
The output from the source is sent to a beam splitter which divides it into three possible paths of equal probability.
Splitter 2 further splits the path 3 into two paths of equal probability.
We have photon detectors M1, M2, M3 and M4 mounted at the end of the paths as shown.
Considering this, what is the probability that the detector M3 or M4 clicks?

Would it be 1/6 or 1/4?
 

Attachments

  • C1.png
    C1.png
    2.6 KB · Views: 519
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The M1 and M2 probabilities are not modified by what happens after BS2 (the setup has a tree structure) so 1/3 1/3 1/6 1/6
 

Related to Beam splitting experiment with single photon

1. What is the purpose of a beam splitting experiment with single photon?

The purpose of this experiment is to observe the behavior of a single photon as it passes through a beam splitting device. This allows scientists to better understand the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and the nature of light.

2. How does a beam splitting device work?

A beam splitting device, also known as a beamsplitter, is a type of optical component that splits a light beam into two or more beams. It does this by reflecting a portion of the incident light and transmitting the rest. In the case of a single photon, it will either be transmitted or reflected with a certain probability determined by the characteristics of the beamsplitter.

3. What is the significance of using a single photon in this experiment?

Using a single photon in this experiment allows scientists to observe the particle-like behavior of light. This is because a single photon can only take one of two paths through the beam splitter, unlike a stream of photons which would exhibit wave-like behavior and pass through both paths simultaneously.

4. What are some potential applications of this experiment?

This experiment has potential applications in fields such as quantum computing and cryptography. By better understanding the behavior of single photons, scientists can develop new technologies that utilize the unique properties of quantum mechanics.

5. Are there any limitations to this experiment?

One limitation of this experiment is that it can be difficult to control and measure a single photon. Additionally, the behavior of a single photon may be affected by external factors such as noise or interference, making it challenging to obtain precise results.

Similar threads

I Interference of signal photons entangled with idlers
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Quantum behavior experiment flawed?
2
Replies
40
Views
3K
A What happens when entangled photons are split into different paths?
2
Replies
41
Views
4K
I Is this a valid quantum Cheshire cat?
Replies
13
Views
976
I How Big Is a Photon? - Exploring Interference Experiments
Replies
14
Views
1K
I Have You Heard of the SEW Experiment? Thoughts?
Replies
2
Views
715
I Problem with the polarization of entangled photons
Replies
7
Views
1K
I How Would Afshar's Experiment Affect Entanglement?
Replies
2
Views
966
I Understanding Scattered Radiation in Photon Beams
Replies
8
Views
1K
I 2-photon interference question
3
Replies
76
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top