Is My Calculation of the Photon State in a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Correct?

  • Thread starter sirchick
  • Start date
In summary: In a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the path of the beam is represented as the lower and upper halves of a two-dimensional image. When an external light source is directed at the interferometer, the light is split into two beams that travel along different paths. The path difference, or phase difference, between the two beams determines the probability that a photon will be detected at one of two detectors.The beam splitter in the interferometer performs a simple task: it reverses the phase of the two beams, such that the lower beam now reaches the lower detector and the upper beam now reaches the upper detector. Because the path difference is a purer reflection of the phase difference between the two beams,
  • #1
sirchick
51
0
Hey

I been looking at the maths at a specific setup of a interferometer (see image).

This is my workings out and i seem to get the correct answer but have i missed out any thing or misunderstood the workings out and just happened to get lucky with my answer?

Legend:
= ½
Upper/Lower = Path of beam in image represented as lower and upper half of image.

Photon State:
|upper> = s*|upper> + s*|lower>

Super position:
s(s|upper> + s|lower>) + s(s|upper> - s|lower>)

Becomes:
(s² + s²)*|upper> + (s² - s²)*|lower>

Lower becomes canceled out.

So upper path is all that's left:
2*s²|upper>

Meaning its 100% guaranteed to be in upper path unless a measurement is made?
 

Attachments

  • inter.jpg
    inter.jpg
    21.6 KB · Views: 525
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yeah, I'm confused too. I just deleted my previous post. Watched the video where you must have got the information for your original post from.

My book is definitely saying if the source is where the one is in your image, then detector 1 (upper) won't register photons. Detector 2 (the one on the far right) will.
 
  • #3
The video is on my PC can't upload it to show you etc. But the video explains how the beam splitter reverses the lower wave and so it doesn't reach the lower photon detector due to interference. Which is now confusing...
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Yup, I have the video you're speaking of, and watched the relevant area after posting, but before I saw your new post.
 
  • #5
StevieTNZ said:
Yeah, I'm confused too. I just deleted my previous post. Watched the video where you must have got the information for your original post from.

My book is definitely saying if the source is where the one is in your image, then detector 1 (upper) won't register photons. Detector 2 (the one on the far right) will.

Theres a book with these videos or a different book ? So I am confused which is the right answer then if they say different things.
 
  • #6
sirchick said:
Theres a book with these videos or a different book ? So I am confused which is the right answer then if they say different things.

Different book. I am also wondering which is telling the right answer.
 
  • #7
  • #9
Ben Schumacher simplified it for us to understand the concept although edgardo has now over complicated it which has confused me more as the maths looks totally different to how the lecture shows it =/

The issue is which beam based on ben's design is correct =/ because we have seen two different answers from two different sources.
 
  • #10

FAQ: Is My Calculation of the Photon State in a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Correct?

What does it mean to understand something correctly?

Understanding something correctly means being able to process and interpret information accurately, without any confusion or misinterpretation.

How can I ensure that I have understood something correctly?

You can ensure that you have understood something correctly by actively listening and asking questions to clarify any confusion, summarizing the information in your own words, and seeking feedback from others.

What are some common barriers to understanding something correctly?

Some common barriers to understanding something correctly include language barriers, distractions, lack of background knowledge, and biases.

Why is it important to confirm understanding?

Confirming understanding is important because it ensures that the information is accurately understood, prevents miscommunication, and allows for further clarification or discussion if needed.

How can I improve my ability to understand things correctly?

To improve your ability to understand things correctly, you can practice active listening, ask questions to clarify, seek feedback, and continuously expand your knowledge and skills in the relevant subject areas.

Similar threads

Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
904
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top