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Revista Brasileira de Ensino de Física

The double slit experience with light from the point of view of Feynman's sum of multiple paths

María de los Ángeles Fanaro, Marcelo Arlego, María Rita Otero

Published Jun 1, 2014• 6 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the double slit experience with light, by using concepts of the Feynman method of "sum of multiple paths" in quantum mechanics. The advantages of this formulation for the teaching of basic aspects of quantum mechanics in the high-school level are analyzed.
DOI
10.1590/s1806-11172014000200008

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We analyse part of the implementation of a didactic sequence to teach different aspects of light in a unified non traditional framework. The goal was to propose the quantum theory of light as a universal framework to describe different phenomena observed. The laws of quantum mechanics for light using Feynman´s “Sum of all Paths” approach adapted to the mathematical level of the students was proposed as a model to explain the experiences. This particular denomination of Feynman´s approach is an intentional choice to avoid the language of "integral" because the students haven't had calculus. Graphic representations and basic operations with vectors capturing the essential aspects of the theory, were used. Simulations made with the software GeoGebra(R) and Modellus were created to help students visualize the formulation. The sequence was carried out in four courses (aged 15-16). For the data analysis, an answer categorization was formulated, considering among other aspects the quantum reformulation of experiment shown herein. This analysis seeks to understand the student´s conceptualization process about quantum interpretation. The results support the conclusion that the conceptualization is complex, and slow, due to both the concepts involved and the representation systems demanded by the situations.
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This chapter introduces the powerful Feynman path integral approach to quantum mechanics. It is intended for readers who are interested in a non-mathematical approach to quantum physics at the middle and high-school level. Einstein's discovery of light quanta played a major role in the birth of quantum mechanics. Einstein made the bold prediction that light comes as a stream of particles called “light quanta”. Photons, like bullets, carry momentum that applies forces to mechanical objects. The method of phasors that, the authors applied to radio waves works equally for visible photons and even for particles such as electrons and molecules. Feynman's method of all possible paths assumes a large number of possible paths. Single-photon counting experiments and laser technology allow the reader to see deeply into the quantum world. The videos of single-particle interference consolidate the idea of photons and their intrinsic randomness.