Determining Photon Paths in a Double Slit System

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In summary, to determine which slit a photon passes through without destroying the double-slit diffraction pattern, the condition of ΔyΔPy << h/(4π) must be satisfied. This condition violates the uncertainty principle and therefore cannot be met. However, by considering the angle of the photon and the size of the slits, we can arrive at the condition of ΔPyΔy < h/(4π), which allows for a small amount of uncertainty while still preserving the interference pattern.
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Homework Statement


Show that in order to be able to determine through which slit a double slit system each photon passes without destroying the double silt diffraction pattern, the condition
[tex]\delta y\delta {p_y} \ll \frac{h}{{4\pi }}[/tex]
must be satisfied. Since this condition violated the uncertainty principle, it can not be met

Homework Equations


[tex]d\sin \theta = \lambda [/tex]
[tex]\sin \theta = \frac{{\delta {p_y}}}{p}[/tex]
[tex]\lambda = \frac{h}{p}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


In order not to destroy the pattern, the angle should not be large enough to shift one maximum to its adjacent maximum. So [tex]\sin \theta \ll \frac{\lambda }{d}[/tex], and then we have
[tex]\frac{{\delta {p_y}}}{p} \ll \frac{\lambda }{d}[/tex]
To figure out which slit the photon passes through, we must have
[tex]\delta y \ll \frac{d}{2}[/tex]
Combine these two and use de broglie's relation [tex]\lambda = \frac{h}{p}[/tex]
We can get
[tex]\delta y\delta {p_y} \ll \frac{h}{2}[/tex]

But it seems to me the extra [tex]2\pi [/tex] just comes out from nowhere. I'm really pulling my hair off on this quetsion

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
I was stuck with this problem as well, and your approach provided the spark. Thanks so much :smile:.
However following up on your argument, let's look at it this way:
"In order not to destroy the pattern, the angle should not be large enough to shift one maximum to its adjacent MINIMUM". My point here is that if the bright band/s merge with the dark band/s, THAT would destroy the interference pattern . So Sin Θ < λ/2d (would this then be right, btw ?). Hence ΔPy/P < λ/2d.
Next, to figure out which slit the photon passes through, and quite arbitrarily frankly, I assume Δy < d/8 (as opposed to d/2)
Pulling all this together we then get: ΔPy/Δy < h/16, and since h/16 < h/4π.
Hence ΔPyΔy < h/4π !
Can anybody do better ?!
 

FAQ: Determining Photon Paths in a Double Slit System

What is the double-slit experiment?

The double-slit experiment is a fundamental experiment in quantum mechanics that demonstrates the wave-particle duality of light and matter. It involves passing a beam of particles, such as electrons or photons, through a barrier with two parallel slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen.

What is the uncertainty principle?

The uncertainty principle is a principle in quantum mechanics that states that it is impossible to simultaneously know the exact position and momentum of a particle. This means that the more precisely we know the position of a particle, the less precisely we can know its momentum, and vice versa.

How does the uncertainty principle relate to the double-slit experiment?

In the double-slit experiment, the uncertainty principle is observed in the behavior of particles as they pass through the two slits. The particles can behave as both waves and particles, and their exact position and momentum cannot be simultaneously known. This leads to the observed interference pattern on the screen.

What is the role of observation in the double-slit experiment?

The double-slit experiment also raises questions about the role of observation in quantum mechanics. The act of observing the particles can affect the behavior of the particles, leading to different outcomes. This phenomenon is known as the observer effect.

What are some practical applications of the double-slit experiment and uncertainty principle?

The double-slit experiment and uncertainty principle have many practical applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, and technology. They have been used in the development of technologies such as electron microscopes, transistors, and lasers. They also play a crucial role in understanding the behavior of particles in quantum computing and cryptography.

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