Can Double Slit Experiment Results Differ with Two Separate Light Sources?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of achieving the same results as the original Double Slit Experiment by using two independent sources of light aimed at separate single slits with a barrier between them. It also mentions the importance of coherence in producing interference effects and the use of a single source passed through a pinhole to improve spatial coherence. The use of two independent sources to demonstrate interference was first done in 1967 and is easier to do today.
  • #1
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If you were to take Youngs original Double Slit Experiment, with this slight variation, would you get the same results you would usually expect, i.e. an interference pattern?

The variation is as follows: Instead of one source of light, there are two sources of light, positioned next to each other each aimed directly at independent single slits. Between the slits, there is a barrier running all the way down to separate the two sources of light from each other, resulting in; Source A can only travel through Slit A, and Source B can only Travel through Slit B.

A crude diagram of what I'm trying to explain:

0 = Slit
x =Light Source
| = Solid Barrier Between Light Sources
_ = Detector Screen
. = Ignore (Purely for spacing purposes)

__________

-----0|0-----
|...|...|
|...|...|
|...|...|
|...x | x...|
 
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  • #2
Interference effects depend upon the coherence of the light; this is usually done by using a single source passed through a pinhole - this improves the spatial coherence of the beam. This improved beam then goes through the double slit.

See http://www.rp-photonics.com/coherence.htmlAnd for some history see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young's_interference_experiment

Of course it is possible to use two independent sources to show interference; this was first done in 1967 using two lasers: Pfleegor and Mandel "Interference of Independent Photon Beams". This experiment is much easier to do today.
 
  • #3
Thanks for your informative reply, much appreciated.
 

Related to Can Double Slit Experiment Results Differ with Two Separate Light Sources?

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.

What does the double slit experiment prove?

The double slit experiment proves that light can behave as both a wave and a particle. This is known as the wave-particle duality of light and is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics.

Why is the double slit experiment important?

The double slit experiment is important because it challenges our understanding of light and subatomic particles. It also has many practical applications, such as in the development of advanced technologies like lasers and quantum computers.

What are some variations of the double slit experiment?

Some variations of the double slit experiment include using different types of particles, such as electrons or atoms, instead of light. Another variation is using multiple slits instead of just two. These variations can produce different results and further demonstrate the wave-particle duality of matter.

What are the implications of the double slit experiment?

The double slit experiment has major implications for our understanding of the nature of reality and the behavior of subatomic particles. It also has implications for fields such as quantum mechanics and quantum computing, as well as potential applications in advanced technologies.

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