Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Journal of Modern Optics

Spectral and time evolution of non-stationary plane waves in a two-beam interference experiment

Leonid Sereda, Aldo Ferrari, M. Bertolotti

Published Dec 1, 1996• 4 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Considering the spectral and time intensity changes of a Gaussian-shaped pulse in the interference from two slits, we show the influence of the aperture on the spectrum, time intensity and spatial distribution of energy of the interference field. All calculations refer to plane waves.
DOI
10.1080/09500349608230677

Related papers

Interference or not: analysis of Young’s experiment for a single-cycle pulse

G. Girieud, Silvania F. Pereira

An analysis of Young’s interference experiment for single cycle pulses showing the time evolution of the interference pattern due to two square apertures is obtained in the Fresnel regime. The fact that the diffraction pattern from each aperture is not constant in time has consequences on the interference pattern. We have also analyzed the changes in the spectrum at different regions at the observation plane. This position-dependent spectrum results in frequency beating of the interference pattern for the case of two apertures.

Journal of the European Optical Society Rapid Publications•Jan 1, 2006•2 citations

Diffraction in time: An exactly solvable model

Arseni Goussev

In recent years, matter-wave interferometry has attracted growing attention due to its unique suitability for high-precision measurements and the study of fundamental aspects of quantum theory. Diffraction and interference of matter waves can be observed not only at a spatial aperture (such as a screen edge, slit, or grating), but also at a time-domain aperture (such as an absorbing barrier, or ``shutter,'' that is being periodically switched on and off). The wave phenomenon of the latter type is commonly referred to as ``diffraction in time.'' Here, we introduce a versatile, exactly solvable model of diffraction in time. It describes time evolution of an arbitrary initial quantum state in the presence of a time-dependent absorbing barrier, governed by an arbitrary aperture function. Our results enable a quantitative description of diffraction and interference patterns in a large variety of setups, and may be used to devise new diffraction and interference experiments with atoms and molecules.

arXiv:1304.5528•Physical Review A•May 29, 2013•21 citations

Time-resolved buildup of two-slit-type interference from a single atom

Jonas Wätzel, Andrew James Murray, Jamal Berakdar

A photoelectron forced to pass through two atomic energy levels before receding from the residual ion shows interference fringes in its angular distribution as a manifestation of a two-slit-type interference experiment in wave-vector space. This scenario was experimentally realized by irradiating a rubidium atom by two low-intensity continuous-wave lasers [Pursehouse et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 053204 (2019)]. In a one-photon process, the first laser excites the $5p$ level whereas the second uncorrelated photon elevates the excited population to the continuum. This same continuum state can also be reached when the second laser excites the $6p$ state, and the first photon then triggers the ionization. As the two lasers are weak and their relative phases uncorrelated, the coherence needed for generating the interference stems from the atom itself. Increasing the intensity or shortening the laser pulses enhances the probability that two photons from both lasers act at the same time, and hence, the coherence properties of the applied lasers are expected to affect the interference fringes. Here, this aspect is investigated in detail, and it is shown how tuning the temporal shapes of the laser pulses allows for tracing the time dependence of the interference fringes. We also study the influence of applying a third laser field with a random amplitude, resulting in a random fluctuation of one of the ionization amplitudes and discuss how the interference fringes are affected.

arXiv:1907.05957•Physical Review A•Jul 12, 2019•2 citations

WITHDRAWN: Non-Interference Pattern with Two Equal Maximum Intensities Evolving to Interference Pattern with One Maximum Intensity --- Novel Phenomena of Standard Double Slit Experiments

Huei Peng

Abstract The standard interpretation of Young’s double slit experiment is that the light behaves as waves before and after passing through the diaphragm of the double slit. There is one primary maximum intensity at the central position of the interference pattern. Recently, the photon chamber has been proposed and utilized to study the behavior of photons near the detecting screen. The experiments show that the light, near the screen, behaves as photons propagating along the straight-line trajectories that distribute as waves. Furthermore, the photon chamber placed near the double slit shows non-interference pattern. In this article we show how the non-interference pattern evolving gradually to the interference pattern: (1) at 50 mm from the diaphragm of the double slit, the non-interference pattern shows and has two primary maximum intensities (Figure on left); (2) at 150 mm, there are two shape-changed maximum intensities (Figure at middle); (3) at 400 mm, the non-interference pattern evolves to the regular interference pattern (Figure on right). Those phenomena provide information for theoretical development.

•Nov 4, 2022•10 citations

Anomalous Behaviour of the Spectra in Young's Double-Slit Interference Experiments

Jixiong Pu, Cai Chao

It is shown that an anomaly of the spectrum takes place in the interference field when Young's double-slit interference experiment is illuminated by spatially coherent polychromatic light. Specifically, drastic spectral changes (i.e. the spectral shifts exhibit a rapid transition) occur in the vicinity of the dark fringes. The potential applications of this spectral anomaly are also considered.

Chinese Physics Letters•Jul 1, 2004•6 citations

Computer model of the two-pinhole interference experiment using two-dimensional Gaussian wave-packets

P N Kaloyerou, A M Ilunga

Abstract The two-slit interference experiment has been modeled a number of times using Gaussian wave-packets and the Bohm–de Broglie causal interpretation. Here we consider the experiment with pinholes instead of slits and model the experiment in terms of two-dimensional Gaussian wave-packets and the Bohm–de Broglie causal interpretation.

arXiv:1811.09488•Physica Scripta•Apr 2, 2019•2 citations
An analysis of Young’s interference experiment for single cycle pulses showing the time evolution of the interference pattern due to two square apertures is obtained in the Fresnel regime. The fact that the diffraction pattern from each aperture is not constant in time has consequences on the interference pattern. We have also analyzed the changes in the spectrum at different regions at the observation plane. This position-dependent spectrum results in frequency beating of the interference pattern for the case of two apertures.
In recent years, matter-wave interferometry has attracted growing attention due to its unique suitability for high-precision measurements and the study of fundamental aspects of quantum theory. Diffraction and interference of matter waves can be observed not only at a spatial aperture (such as a screen edge, slit, or grating), but also at a time-domain aperture (such as an absorbing barrier, or ``shutter,'' that is being periodically switched on and off). The wave phenomenon of the latter type is commonly referred to as ``diffraction in time.'' Here, we introduce a versatile, exactly solvable model of diffraction in time. It describes time evolution of an arbitrary initial quantum state in the presence of a time-dependent absorbing barrier, governed by an arbitrary aperture function. Our results enable a quantitative description of diffraction and interference patterns in a large variety of setups, and may be used to devise new diffraction and interference experiments with atoms and molecules.
A photoelectron forced to pass through two atomic energy levels before receding from the residual ion shows interference fringes in its angular distribution as a manifestation of a two-slit-type interference experiment in wave-vector space. This scenario was experimentally realized by irradiating a rubidium atom by two low-intensity continuous-wave lasers [Pursehouse et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 053204 (2019)]. In a one-photon process, the first laser excites the 5p5p5p level whereas the second uncorrelated photon elevates the excited population to the continuum. This same continuum state can also be reached when the second laser excites the 6p6p6p state, and the first photon then triggers the ionization. As the two lasers are weak and their relative phases uncorrelated, the coherence needed for generating the interference stems from the atom itself. Increasing the intensity or shortening the laser pulses enhances the probability that two photons from both lasers act at the same time, and hence, the coherence properties of the applied lasers are expected to affect the interference fringes. Here, this aspect is investigated in detail, and it is shown how tuning the temporal shapes of the laser pulses allows for tracing the time dependence of the interference fringes. We also study the influence of applying a third laser field with a random amplitude, resulting in a random fluctuation of one of the ionization amplitudes and discuss how the interference fringes are affected.
Abstract The standard interpretation of Young’s double slit experiment is that the light behaves as waves before and after passing through the diaphragm of the double slit. There is one primary maximum intensity at the central position of the interference pattern. Recently, the photon chamber has been proposed and utilized to study the behavior of photons near the detecting screen. The experiments show that the light, near the screen, behaves as photons propagating along the straight-line trajectories that distribute as waves. Furthermore, the photon chamber placed near the double slit shows non-interference pattern. In this article we show how the non-interference pattern evolving gradually to the interference pattern: (1) at 50 mm from the diaphragm of the double slit, the non-interference pattern shows and has two primary maximum intensities (Figure on left); (2) at 150 mm, there are two shape-changed maximum intensities (Figure at middle); (3) at 400 mm, the non-interference pattern evolves to the regular interference pattern (Figure on right). Those phenomena provide information for theoretical development.