Observed interference in afshar's double slit experiment?

In summary, the Afshar experiment demonstrates that a single photon can pass through only one slit and still produce an interference pattern. This raises the question of whether we can determine which slit the photon went through. After researching the experiment, it seems that the results are in agreement with quantum mechanics, suggesting that the experiment is simply difficult to understand intuitively. This is not groundbreaking news, as quantum mechanics is known to be counterintuitive and complex.
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In afshar's experiment, it shows that the single photon goes through only one of the slits and produces an interference pattern. How is this possible?
In this experiment, do we really know which slit the photon went through?
 
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I don't know too much about this experiment but looked it up:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afshar_experiment

The issue isn't that it violates QM - the issue is people don't seem to agree on how to resolve it.

After reading it I suspect the answer lies in the numerical simulation that was done showing the results are in full agreement with QM. This shows its simply a tricky experiment to analyse intuitively but is in full accord with QM.

If it wasn't that would be BIG news earning them an instant Nobel Prize.

All it shows is what we already know - QM is counter intuitive and tricky.

Thanks
Bill
 

FAQ: Observed interference in afshar's double slit experiment?

What is the Afshar's double slit experiment?

The Afshar's double slit experiment is a variation of the famous double slit experiment, which is a fundamental experiment in quantum mechanics. It involves shining a beam of particles, such as electrons or photons, through two parallel slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen.

What is the observed interference in Afshar's double slit experiment?

The observed interference in Afshar's double slit experiment refers to the phenomenon where the interference pattern of the particles is still present even when a detector is placed at one of the slits to determine which path the particles take. This is contrary to the predictions of classical mechanics and has been a subject of debate in the field of quantum mechanics.

How is the observed interference in Afshar's double slit experiment explained?

The observed interference in Afshar's double slit experiment is often explained using the concept of wave-particle duality. According to this concept, particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, and the interference pattern is a result of the superposition of these wave-like behaviors.

What implications does the observed interference in Afshar's double slit experiment have?

The observed interference in Afshar's double slit experiment challenges the traditional understanding of the behavior of particles at the quantum level. It suggests that particles may have a wave-like nature that cannot be fully explained by classical mechanics. It also has implications for the uncertainty principle and the measurement problem in quantum mechanics.

Are there any criticisms of the observed interference in Afshar's double slit experiment?

Yes, there have been several criticisms of the observed interference in Afshar's double slit experiment. Some argue that the experiment is not a true test of the wave-particle duality concept and that there are alternative explanations for the observed interference. Others question the validity of the experimental setup and the accuracy of the measurements. Further research and experimentation are needed to fully understand and address these criticisms.

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