Quantum theory of double-slit interference: Role of the quantum phase

Arkady Plotnitsky

Jing Zhou

Young's experiment plays an important role in Physics,which contains interference,diffraction,modulation and quantum superposition,and not only shows the significance and charm of the wave theory of the light but also demonstrates the profound significance of the quantum theory.For that from several levels of the sub-wave-front two-beam interference,double-slit diffraction,double-slit filter and double-slit quantum superposition,on the initial theory of Young's experiment is discussed in favor of optical theory and technology development.

Hamid Reza Naeij, Afshin Shafiee

J. Miguel Hickmann, E. J. S. Fonseca, Alcenísio J. Jesus‐Silva

The double-slit at single photon or electron level is the ubiqutous quantum interference experiment with the path phase playing a key role. On the other hand, photon's orbital angular momentum (OAM) brings a new dimension to interference problems with the spiral phase degree of freedom. In this work, we use OAM's two dimensional properties to extended the double-slit to a triple-slit configuration in the shape of an equilateral triangle, obtaining a triangular latticed single-photon counting interference pattern. In order to understand this interference pattern in terms of wave-particle duality, we have to take into account that, in contrast with the parallel double and triple slit cases, the azimuthal phase also plays a fundamental role, being undistinguishable from path phase.

Haowen Zhou, William E. Perreault, Nandini Mukherjee +1 more

Double slits with molecular states Despite decades of research, the role of quantum mechanical effects in molecular scattering has not yet been fully investigated and can still demonstrate fascinating results, even for simple triatomic systems. Zhou et al . show that the entangled bond axis orientations in the biaxial state of a deuterium molecule can act as the two slits of a double-slit interferometer for rotationally inelastic collision with a helium atom, giving rise to quantum interference between two indistinguishable pathways (see the Perspective by Wang and Yang). The present work presents an elegant example of quantum interference in molecular scattering that is conceptually similar to the famous Young’s optical double-slit experiment. The proposed molecular interferometer could be used to coherently control the phases in various molecular processes in future experiments. —YS

F.J. Duarte, D. J. Paine