Question

Quantum mechanics vs Einsteins theory of relativity: How does light move between two black holes if we create a double slit experiment in front of the light? Do the light waves distribute themselves equally or does gravity distort light waves?

Answer 1

In the scenario you described, where a double-slit experiment is set up in front of light moving between two black holes, both quantum mechanics and Einstein's theory of relativity come into play.

Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of particles and waves at the microscopic level, including light. According to quantum mechanics, light can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties. In a double-slit experiment, when a beam of light passes through two slits, it behaves as a wave and exhibits interference patterns on a screen behind the slits. These interference patterns arise from the superposition of different paths that the light waves can take.

However, in the presence of a strong gravitational field, as in the vicinity of black holes, Einstein's theory of general relativity becomes important. General relativity describes gravity as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. Gravity can indeed distort the paths of light waves and affect their behavior.

In the specific scenario of light passing through a double slit in front of two black holes, gravity would have several effects:

1. Gravitational Lensing: The gravitational field of the black holes would cause the light waves to bend as they pass through the region. This bending of light is known as gravitational lensing. It can cause the light waves to converge or diverge, leading to a distortion of the interference pattern on the screen.

2. Time Dilation: The gravitational field near the black holes can also cause time to pass at different rates depending on the strength of the field. This can affect the phase of the light waves and alter the interference pattern.

3. Redshift: If the black holes are in motion relative to the light source, the light waves passing through the gravitational field can experience a gravitational redshift. This means the frequency of the light waves decreases, which can also influence the interference pattern.

In summary, the presence of black holes and their gravitational fields can indeed distort light waves and affect the interference pattern in a double-slit experiment. Both quantum mechanics and general relativity need to be considered to fully understand the behavior of light in such extreme gravitational scenarios.