Double slits seen from the plane

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In summary, the conversation discusses the location and distribution of light in various optical patterns. Specifically, it mentions the double slit fringe pattern and the diffraction pattern of a black disk. The light source in these patterns is located behind the slits or around the edge of the disk, respectively. There is also mention of a subsidiary problem regarding the uniformity of light distribution around the edge of the disk. The conversation concludes with a question about potentially moving the topic to another area of study.
  • #1
TMV
Hi,
I wonder if we place a camera at any secondary lobe in a double slits fringe pattern, and if it looks at the slits: where does the light come from, how is it distributed ? And if we zoom inside one of the slits, what does it look like ?
Subsidiary problem : in the diffraction pattern generated by a black disk inside its geometric shadow, as seen from this pattern where does the light source would seem to come from when looking at the disk ?
Regards,
Francis
 
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  • #2
TMV said:
Hi,
I wonder...
These aren't quantum mechanics questions, they're answered by ordinary classical wave optics. The only uniquely quantum-mechanical effect in the double slit experiment is the way that the pattern builds up one dot at a time when we send single particles at the barrier.
if we place a camera at any secondary lobe in a double slits fringe pattern, and if it looks at the slits: where does the light come from, how is it distributed?
It comes from both slits. If you were standing on the screen and looking up at the barrier, you would see two slits with a light source behind them.
And if we zoom inside one of the slits, what does it look like?
It's still a slit with a light source behind it.
Subsidiary problem : in the diffraction pattern generated by a black disk inside its geometric shadow, as seen from this pattern where does the light source would seem to come from when looking at the disk ?
Around the edge of the disk.
 
  • #3
Thanks for your reply, maybe we need the move this topic then ?
Nugatory said:
Around the edge of the disk.
Even from a non-central ring, the light would seem to come uniformely around the edge, or distributed in a certain way around it ?
 

FAQ: Double slits seen from the plane

What is the "double slit" experiment?

The double slit experiment is a classic experiment in quantum physics that demonstrates the wave-particle duality of light. It involves shining a beam of light through two parallel slits onto a screen and observing the interference pattern that is created.

How does the interference pattern form in the double slit experiment?

The interference pattern is formed when the light waves passing through the two slits overlap and interfere with each other. This creates areas of constructive interference, where the waves reinforce each other, and areas of destructive interference, where the waves cancel each other out.

What happens when only one slit is open in the double slit experiment?

When only one slit is open, the light behaves like a single particle and creates a simple pattern of light and dark stripes on the screen. This demonstrates the particle-like nature of light.

How does the distance between the slits affect the interference pattern?

The distance between the slits determines the spacing of the interference pattern. The closer the slits are together, the wider the spacing of the pattern will be, and the farther apart the slits are, the narrower the spacing will be.

Can the double slit experiment be performed with other particles besides light?

Yes, the double slit experiment has been performed with electrons, protons, and even large molecules. It consistently shows that all particles have both wave and particle-like properties, regardless of their size or mass.

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