Yes, it is possible to detect and manipulate a single electron in experiments like the double-slit experiment. While firing a single electron at a screen may sound challenging, modern experimental techniques have advanced to the point where individual particles, such as electrons, can be controlled and observed on a quantum level. Here's a brief overview of how this is accomplished:
Electron Sources: Advanced experimental setups use electron sources that can produce a controlled and well-defined beam of electrons. These sources can generate electrons one at a time or in very low densities, ensuring that only a single electron enters the experimental apparatus at a time.
Particle Detectors: Highly sensitive detectors, such as electron multipliers or scintillation screens, are employed to detect individual electrons when they interact with the detection system. These detectors can register the presence of a single electron and provide a measurable signal.
Electromagnetic Manipulation: Magnetic and electric fields are utilized to manipulate the trajectory of electrons. By applying precise and controlled forces, researchers can steer single electrons towards the desired target, such as a double-slit apparatus or a screen.
Low-Noise Environment: To reduce interference and enhance the ability to detect single electrons, experiments are typically conducted in highly controlled environments with minimal noise. This involves shielding the setup from external influences, minimizing thermal fluctuations, and employing cryogenic temperatures when necessary.
While it is practically challenging to achieve perfect isolation of a single electron due to various sources of noise, experimental techniques have advanced to a level where individual electron behavior can be observed and controlled with remarkable precision. By carefully designing the experimental apparatus and employing sophisticated detection and manipulation methods, researchers can investigate the wave-particle duality and other quantum phenomena exhibited by electrons and other subatomic particles.
It's important to note that the behavior of individual electrons in experiments like the double-slit experiment is studied statistically over multiple trials to observe the interference patterns. While a single electron's behavior is inherently probabilistic, repeated experiments with many individual electrons collectively reveal the underlying wave-like nature and probability distribution predicted by quantum mechanics.