Question

Are there real experiments done on double slit such that when observed, the waves collapse into a particle? From home, I can setup this double slit experiment but what must I setup to include "when observed".

Answer 1

The double-slit experiment is a well-known experiment in quantum mechanics that demonstrates the wave-particle duality of matter and the phenomenon of wave interference. The basic setup involves shining a beam of particles, such as electrons or photons, at a barrier with two slits, which then creates an interference pattern on a screen located behind the barrier.

When the experiment is conducted without any observation or measurement of the particles passing through the slits, the particles exhibit an interference pattern on the screen, indicating their wave-like nature. However, when an attempt is made to determine which slit the particle passes through or to observe it during its journey, the interference pattern disappears, and the particles behave more like discrete particles, appearing as two distinct bands on the screen.

To set up the double-slit experiment with the inclusion of observation, you would need to introduce a means of detecting or observing the particles as they pass through the slits. This could be done using detectors that can detect individual particles, such as a photomultiplier tube or a sensitive camera.

Here's a simplified procedure for setting up the experiment with observation:

1. Prepare a barrier with two narrow slits.
2. Place a screen behind the barrier to observe the particle pattern.
3. Position a particle source, such as a source of photons or electrons, to emit particles toward the barrier.
4. Add detectors near each slit or along the particle path to observe which slit the particle passes through.
5. Block the detectors and record the pattern on the screen.
6. Activate the detectors and observe how the interference pattern changes or disappears.

By incorporating detectors to observe the particles, you introduce a measurement or observation that collapses the wavefunction of the particles, causing them to behave more like particles and lose their interference pattern. It is important to note that the act of observation itself alters the behavior of quantum particles in this experiment.

Keep in mind that conducting this experiment at home with electrons might be challenging due to the need for precise equipment and controlled environments. However, you can find versions of the double-slit experiment using light, which are more accessible for home setups.