The Double Slit Interferometer in the Causal Interpretation of Quantum Theory

Probably one of the most fundamental problems in modern physics, is the problem of wave-particle duality. In this video the two-slit interferometer experiment is simulated numerically according to the causal interpretation of David Bohm and L. de Broglie. The slits generate two Gaussian profiles in (x,t) space, positioned at +/-X. Identical " particles emitted by a source S impinges on a double - slit interferometer. Thus each particle goes through a different slit. The edges of the slits are assumed smooth enough to avoid diffraction effects on higher order. According to the orthodox interpretation of quantum theory, it cannot be decided which slit the particle goes through because of the self-interference effect. It has to be assumed that the particle goes through both slits and the wavefunction collapses when a measurement is made at the detector screen. The causal interpretation is completely different. The quantum particle passes through slit one or slit two and never crosses the axis of symmetry. The paths of the quantum particles are not detectable directly because of the perturbation effects of the measuring process. Which slit the particles pass through depends on the initial position only. The quantum particles possess well-defined positions and velocities at all times. In the causal interpretation of quantum theory there is a quantum force proportional which is called the quantum potential. The quantum potential leads to highly nonclassical motion of particles. The trajectories run to the local maxima of the squared wavefunction and therefore correspond to the bright fringes of the diffraction pattern. The trajectories were first numerically calculated in C. Philippidis, C. Dewdney, and B. J. Hiley, "Quantum Interference and the Quantum Potential," Il Nuovo Cimento 52B, 1979 pp. 15--28. The results in [5] provide an observationally grounded description of the time-propagation of quantum particles in a two-slit interferometer, which supports the causal interpretation.
References:
[1] L. Haisheng, "On new phenomena of photon from modified double slit experiment", arXiv:1007.5323 (July 2010).
[2] C. Jönson, "Electron Diffraction on multiples slits", Zeitschrift für Physik Vol. 161 pp. 454 (1961).
[3] A. Tonomura, J. Endo1, T. Matsuda, T. Kawasaki1, and H. Ezawa, "Demonstration of single‐electron buildup of an interference pattern", American Journal of Physics, Vol. 57, Issue 2, pp. 117 (1989).
[4]M. Arndt, O. Nairz, J. Vos-Andreae, C. Keller, G. van der Zouw, A. Zeilinger, "Wave-particle duality of C60 molecules". In: Nature. 401, Nr. 6754, 14. September 1999, S. 680--682, doi:10.1038/44348.
[5] S. Kocsis, B. Braverman, S. Ravets , M. J. Stevens,R. P. Mirin,L. K. Shalm and A. M. Steinberg1 , "Observing the Average Trajectories of Single Photons in a Two-Slit Interferometer", Science 3 Vol. 332 no. 6034 pp. 1170-1173 (2011),DOI: 10.1126/science.1202218.
[6] C. Philippidis, C. Dewdney, and B. J. Hiley, "Quantum Interference and the Quantum Potential," Il Nuovo Cimento 52B, pp. 15--28 (1979).
[7] K. v. Bloh, webpage "Causal Interpretation of the Double-Slit Experiment in Quantum Theory" from The Wolfram Demonstrations Project.

Programmed by: Klaus von Bloh

Category:

Education

Tags:

• wave particle duality
• quantum trajectory
• David Bohm
• causal interpretation
• diffraction
• quantum potential
• two slit interferometer
• double slit
• self interference
• computer simulation
• hidden variable
• pilot wave
• quantum motion
• quantum theory
• quantum mechanics

[derciorj21]

Do photons interact with electron? A crazy idea: on top of both slits, place a shooters of photons from up to downside, making a "wall". Than fire the electron to see if had an interference, on photon detector.

[kvb100b]

@derciorj21 Yes, photons interact with electrons, but If you do so the interference will disappear.

[nickharvey7]

nice video!

This is an invitation to see an artist theory on the physics of light and time!

[kevinstuartfr0st]

young's double slit experiment like you've never seen before

watch?v=yNeHYhvQXic