It is demonstrated that the three-slit interference, as obtained from explicit solutions of Maxwell's equations for realistic models of three-slit devices, including an idealized version of the three-slit device used in a recent three-slit experiment with light [U. Sinha et al., Science 329, 418 (2010)], is nonzero. The hypothesis that the three-slit interference should be zero is the result of dropping the one-to-one correspondence between the symbols in the mathematical theory and the different experimental configurations, opening the route to conclusions that cannot be derived from the theory proper. It is also shown that under certain experimental conditions, this hypothesis is a good approximation.
It is demonstrated that the three-slit interference, as obtained from explicit solutions of Maxwell's equations for realistic models of three-slit devices, including an idealized version of the three-slit device used in a recent three-slit experiment with light [U. Sinha et al., Science 329, 418 (2010)], is nonzero. The hypothesis that the three-slit interference should be zero is the result of dropping the one-to-one correspondence between the symbols in the mathematical theory and the different experimental configurations, opening the route to conclusions that cannot be derived from the theory proper. It is also shown that under certain experimental conditions, this hypothesis is a good approximation.
It has been suggested by Sorkin that a three-slit Young experiment could reveal the validity a fundamental ingredient in the foundations of one of the cornerstones in modern physics namely quantum mechanics. In terms of a certain parameter κS, it was argued that a non-zero value could imply a breakdown of the fundamental Born's rule as well as the superposition principle. Here we argue that a physical realization of such arguments could lead to an erroneous conclusion and contradict the basic rules of quantum mechanics. In fact, we argue that a proper interpretation of the procedures involved in a physical determination of κS does not necessarily lead to κS=0. In order to show this we consider a mono-chromatic source of photons prepared in an {\it arbitrary} quantum state and a simple version of the well-established photon detection theory of Glauber which, by construction, obeys all the rules of quantum mechanics. It is, however, also argued that after a proper identification of the relevant quantum-mechanical probability amplitudes one can be reach κS=0. As long as one only consider a single photon detector, it is verified that, in this context, there is no fundamental difference between quantum-mechanical interference and interference as expressed in terms of classical electro-magnetic waves.
In a double slit interference experiment, the wave function at the screen with both slits open is not exactly equal to the sum of the wave functions with the slits individually open one at a time. The three scenarios represent three different boundary conditions and as such, the superposition principle should not be applicable. However, most well-known text books in quantum mechanics implicitly and/or explicitly use this assumption that is only approximately true. In our present study, we have used the Feynman path integral formalism to quantify contributions from nonclassical paths in quantum interference experiments that provide a measurable deviation from a naive application of the superposition principle. A direct experimental demonstration for the existence of these nonclassical paths is difficult to present. We find that contributions from such paths can be significant and we propose simple three-slit interference experiments to directly confirm their existence.
In a double slit interference experiment, the wave function at the screen with both slits open is not exactly the sum of the wave functions with the slits individually open one at a time. The three scenarios represent three different boundary conditions and as such, the superposition principle should not be applicable. However, most well known text books in quantum mechanics implicitly and/or explicitly use this assumption, the wave function hypothesis, which is only approximately true. In our present study, we have used the Feynman path integral formalism to quantify contributions from non-classical paths in interference experiments which provide a measurable deviation from the wave function hypothesis. A direct experimental demonstration for the existence of these non-classical paths is hard. We find that contributions from such paths can be significant and we propose simple three-slit interference experiments to directly confirm their existence.
It has been suggested by Sorkin that a three-slit Young experiment could reveal the validity a fundamental ingredient in the foundations of one of the cornerstones in modern physics namely quantum mechanics. In terms of a certain parameter κ S , it was argued that a non-zero value could imply a breakdown of the fundamental Born's rule as well as the superposition principle. Here we argue that a physical realization of such arguments could lead to an erroneous conclusion and contradict the basic rules of quantum mechanics. In fact, we argue that a straightforward interpretation of the procedures involved in a physical determination of κ S does not necessarily lead to κ S = 0. In order to show this we consider a mono-chromatic source of photons prepared in an arbitrary quantum state and a simple version of the well-established photon detection theory of Glauber which, by construction, obeys all the rules of quantum mechanics. It is, however, also argued that after a proper identification of the relevant quantum-mechanical probability amplitudes one can be reach κ S = 0. As long as one only consider a single photon detector, it is verified that, in this context, there is no fundamental difference between quantum-mechanical interference and interference as expressed in terms of classical electro-magnetic waves.
The double-slit experiment is a direct demonstration of interference between quantum objects. Of course, interference is also observed in experiments using multiple slits. However, according to quantum theory, the interference patterns produced using such multi-slits can all be explained in terms of interference between pairs of slits [1] , [2] . Interestingly, there are proposed versions of quantum theory—so-called higher-order theories—wherein this is not possible [3] . In such theories the "third-order" interference (with three or more slits open) is genuinely different from second-order interference. Here we show that standard quantum mechanics actually allows for apparent high-order interference, if one considers nonlinear effects. Note, that another mechanism for this has also recently been shown based on so-called looped trajectories [4] – [6] .
Abstract The double slit test, as it is known, results in a series of alternating streaks of light and dark, presumed to be caused by interfering light waves. Careful comparison of experimental results and mathematical models reveals that the plausible theory of light-wave interference contains many fatal flaws. For example, the mathematical model does not have a mechanism for regularly producing multiple dark streaks. In practice, the spot where the dark streaks should appear is the brightest spot. Since only the electron radiates photons outward as it lowers its energy and returns to its ground state, the photon waves generated in the slit (possibly a vacuum) are of unknown origin. When light waves interfere with each other, photons can be infinitely subdivided and multiplied; After the head of the photon reaches the screen, the rest of the photon can still participate in interference; The effects of reflected light waves that most satisfy the interference conditions are not shown in the fringe. The important influence of polarization direction is not considered in the interference condition. In the causality test, the photon that has collapsed into a particle should be retested with a double slit test. In the causality test, the photon that has collapsed into a particle should be retested with a double slit test. The phenomenon of "observation determines outcome" has also been observed. When the phase is shifted π or the signal is reversed, it becomes a negative wave that cancels itself out. The transmittance of light waves through a double-slit device should not be so weak. As a fundamental physical property, waves must have bandwidth, but light and quantum only have a single frequency, which does not conform to the Fourier transform principle that waves must follow. Light waves in optical fiber communication must produce modulation effect, which has not been shown in reality. If the light waves from different slits interfere with each other, a mask similar to a two-slit device will not allow the lithographer to work properly. A photon whose size is much smaller than the wave length does not represent the whole wave but only represents a sample of the wave, but the corresponding physical properties are not shown. A pair of stars orbiting each other without changing color only proves that redshift is impossible but not that the speed of light is constant. Due to the late birth of radio technology, many physical properties of electromagnetic waves were not included in the light and matter waves proposed earlier. The results of the double slit test only prove that the simple quantum particle model is incorrect but do not provide evidence that the wave model is correct.