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A Plausible Explanation of the Double-Slit Experiment in Quantum Physics

Constantinos Ragazas

Published Jan 1, 2010• 2 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

A plausible non-Quantum Mechanical explanation to the double-slit experiment is considered. This is based on the view that globally energy propagates continuously as a wave while locally energy is manifested (measured or observed) in discrete units. The 1989 Tonomura 'single electron emissions' double-slit experiment is used as a backdrop to this discussion.

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In response to Orion and Laitman’s [1] explanation of the classic double-slit experiment of quantum mechanics, we propose an alternate explanation of that experiment by treating physical degrees of freedom as a conserved physical quantity, instead of referring to “vague terms” used in previous explanations, [1], that are not broadly applicable. Explanation in [1] refers to properties of groups of particles, even though the double-slit experiment’s results should address only to a single particle. By using physical degrees of freedom and the application of Hamilton’s principle, we obtain a single particle explanation of the double-slit experiment in terms of properties and via methods which apply equally in a quantum and a classical regime.

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On the Single Electron Double Slit Experiment – A Randomly-Jumping Electron Approach

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Abstract One of the greatest mysteries that has puzzled and seemingly hoodwinked our very understanding of nature is the single electron double slit experiment – one that Feynman termed the central mystery of quantum mechanics. At the heart of this mystery is how can an electron that is a physical particle exhibit a wave-like property? We’ve proposed a non-counterintuitive way to explain this phenomenon called the randomly-jumping electron hypothesis, in which the electron randomly “jumps” in discrete succession to specific points only and not others which is what causes the electron to indeed be a classical particle only but is able to produce a wave-like interference pattern. To provide supporting evidence for our hypothesis, we’ve developed a computer program to simulate the single electron double slit experiment by treating the electron as a classical particle while still exhibiting wave-like fringes in agreement with real-world observed data of the single electron double slit experiment performed. Our interpretation does not set out to “solve” the mystery of why an electron can produce a wave-like interference pattern once and for all, however our hypothesis is a monism ontological interpretation that does address some of the crucial debates that have remained unsolved for 100 years since the formulation of quantum mechanics.

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A Resonant-Cavity Interpretation of the Double-Slit Experiment Without Wavefunction Collapse or Nonlocality

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The double-slit experiment is typically presented as evidence for the non-classical nature of microscopic particles, especially when performed in the single-particle regime. However, the interference pattern that emerges on the detection screen is generated by wave propagation through two structured apertures, each acting as a narrow resonant cavity supporting longitudinal modes of a scalar field. In this work we derive the outgoing fields from the slits directly from boundary conditions and show that their superposition yields the standard far-field intensity profile of diffraction theory. The remaining aspect of the experiment — namely discrete, localized detection events — is accounted for by a minimal discrete-event model in which the continuous classical field drives quantized energy transfers at the detector. This approach is fully classical, requires no collapse postulate or nonlocality, and remains compatible with all known data. It clarifies which features of the experiment arise from field propagation and which arise from the discrete nature of detection.

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"The Meaning of ψ "! an Interpretation of Schrödinger's Equation

Constantinos Ragazas

In our derivation of Planck's Law (showing that this Formula is an exact mathematical identity that describes the interaction of measurement) the 'accumulation of energy' locally at time t was a key variable. By starting with this as the primary variable and defining energy, momentum and force in terms of it we are able to mathematically derive such basic laws of Physics as Conservation of Energy and Momentum, and Newton's Second Law of Motion. Following the same approach we demonstrate in this short note how Schrodinger's Equation relates to this formulation. This leads to a physical meaning of the wave-function ψ and a plausible explanation of the double-slit experiment.

•Feb 1, 2010•0 citations
A plausible non-Quantum Mechanical explanation to the double-slit experiment is considered. This is based on the view that globally energy propagates continuously as a wave while locally energy is manifested (measured or observed) in discrete units. The 1989 Tonomura 'single electron emissions' double-slit experiment is used as a backdrop to this discussion.
In response to Orion and Laitman’s [1] explanation of the classic double-slit experiment of quantum mechanics, we propose an alternate explanation of that experiment by treating physical degrees of freedom as a conserved physical quantity, instead of referring to “vague terms” used in previous explanations, [1], that are not broadly applicable. Explanation in [1] refers to properties of groups of particles, even though the double-slit experiment’s results should address only to a single particle. By using physical degrees of freedom and the application of Hamilton’s principle, we obtain a single particle explanation of the double-slit experiment in terms of properties and via methods which apply equally in a quantum and a classical regime.
Abstract One of the greatest mysteries that has puzzled and seemingly hoodwinked our very understanding of nature is the single electron double slit experiment – one that Feynman termed the central mystery of quantum mechanics. At the heart of this mystery is how can an electron that is a physical particle exhibit a wave-like property? We’ve proposed a non-counterintuitive way to explain this phenomenon called the randomly-jumping electron hypothesis, in which the electron randomly “jumps” in discrete succession to specific points only and not others which is what causes the electron to indeed be a classical particle only but is able to produce a wave-like interference pattern. To provide supporting evidence for our hypothesis, we’ve developed a computer program to simulate the single electron double slit experiment by treating the electron as a classical particle while still exhibiting wave-like fringes in agreement with real-world observed data of the single electron double slit experiment performed. Our interpretation does not set out to “solve” the mystery of why an electron can produce a wave-like interference pattern once and for all, however our hypothesis is a monism ontological interpretation that does address some of the crucial debates that have remained unsolved for 100 years since the formulation of quantum mechanics.
Double slit experiments with true single photons are presently becoming reality. Thus one may speculate that the wave particle duality of light and photons can now be proven unequivocally. This was not the case with earlier experiments using attenuated multi-atom light sources. Here it is suggested that the few available experiments which indeed are using single photons can be explained in a comprehensible manner without invoking quantum mechanics and wave particle dualism. However, one has to give up the notion of an indivisible photon.
The double-slit experiment is typically presented as evidence for the non-classical nature of microscopic particles, especially when performed in the single-particle regime. However, the interference pattern that emerges on the detection screen is generated by wave propagation through two structured apertures, each acting as a narrow resonant cavity supporting longitudinal modes of a scalar field. In this work we derive the outgoing fields from the slits directly from boundary conditions and show that their superposition yields the standard far-field intensity profile of diffraction theory. The remaining aspect of the experiment — namely discrete, localized detection events — is accounted for by a minimal discrete-event model in which the continuous classical field drives quantized energy transfers at the detector. This approach is fully classical, requires no collapse postulate or nonlocality, and remains compatible with all known data. It clarifies which features of the experiment arise from field propagation and which arise from the discrete nature of detection.
In our derivation of Planck's Law (showing that this Formula is an exact mathematical identity that describes the interaction of measurement) the 'accumulation of energy' locally at time t was a key variable. By starting with this as the primary variable and defining energy, momentum and force in terms of it we are able to mathematically derive such basic laws of Physics as Conservation of Energy and Momentum, and Newton's Second Law of Motion. Following the same approach we demonstrate in this short note how Schrodinger's Equation relates to this formulation. This leads to a physical meaning of the wave-function ψ and a plausible explanation of the double-slit experiment.