What Else Splits in Single Particle Interference Experiments?

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In summary, single particle interference experiments involve the splitting of the barrier at the slits, as well as the splitting of momenta, energies, and frequencies in the creation of entangled photons. However, the probability amplitude does not actually split, and the concept of splitting is not useful in describing what happens in wave mechanics. Instead, splitting or decoherence occurs at the detector or any point where the system interacts with the environment.
  • #1
San K
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In single particle interference experiments:

what, besides probability amplitude, splits at the slits?

don't mean to have the reader in splits...;)Side note:
During the creation of entangled photons (and I am not saying that in single particle interference there, necessarily, is some form of entanglement) the momenta/energies/frequencies are split. The law of conservation of energy still applies to this quantum mechanics phenomena known as quantum entanglement.
 
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  • #2
The barrier splits at the slits.
Note: the probability amplitude does not "split" either. That is not a useful way of describing what happens. In wave-mechanics, the wave-function is continuous.
 
  • #3
Nothing splits at the slits.
Splitting (of wave function), or more precisely decoherence, happens at the detector or at any place where the system interacts strongly with the environment.
 

FAQ: What Else Splits in Single Particle Interference Experiments?

What is the double-slit experiment and why is it important?

The double-slit experiment is a classic experiment in physics that demonstrates the wave-particle duality of light. It involves passing a beam of light through two parallel slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen. This experiment is important because it showed that light can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, challenging traditional understandings of light and leading to the development of quantum mechanics.

What is meant by the term "diffraction" in relation to the double-slit experiment?

Diffraction is the bending or spreading of waves as they pass through an opening or around an obstacle. In the double-slit experiment, diffraction occurs as light waves pass through the two slits and interfere with each other, creating an interference pattern on the screen.

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

Yes, the double-slit experiment has been performed with other particles such as electrons, neutrons, and even atoms. This further supports the idea of wave-particle duality and shows that all matter can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior.

What factors can affect the interference pattern in the double-slit experiment?

The interference pattern in the double-slit experiment can be affected by the distance between the slits, the wavelength of the light or particle, and the size of the slits. Additionally, external factors such as vibrations or air currents can also disrupt the pattern.

What are the implications of the double-slit experiment for our understanding of the universe?

The double-slit experiment challenges our traditional understanding of the physical world and highlights the strange and complex nature of quantum mechanics. It has implications for fields such as cosmology, where the behavior of particles at the quantum level can have a significant impact on the behavior of the universe as a whole.

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