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A Path Integral Investigation and Numerical Simulation of the Two-Slit Problem in Quantum Mechanics

Daniel Cernak

Published Jan 1, 2024• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

In this paper we describe a complete numerical treatment of the two-slit experiment for quantum mechanics. We first introduce the two-slit problem and the Fraunhofer approximation. We describe a number of experimental approaches, including the experiment of F. Shimizu, K. Shimizu, and H. Takuma in which they subject ultracold neon atoms to the two-slit experiment. We then present the Feynman Path Integral Method and its application to the two-slit problem. Using this method, we create a toolkit to simulate this experiment, before expanding this program. We explore the visualizations created by our program, and we compare the behaviors of particles simulated in different experiments and compare the behaviors to the Fraunhofer approximation. Finally, we note how this program can then be used to simulate a variety of particles and initial conditions and their subsequent behaviors with different gratings in both the near and far regions.

DOI
10.7302/23424

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In this paper we describe a complete numerical treatment of the two-slit experiment for quantum mechanics. We first introduce the two-slit problem and the Fraunhofer approximation. We describe a number of experimental approaches, including the experiment of F. Shimizu, K. Shimizu, and H. Takuma in which they subject ultracold neon atoms to the two-slit experiment. We then present the Feynman Path Integral Method and its application to the two-slit problem. Using this method, we create a toolkit to simulate this experiment, before expanding this program. We explore the visualizations created by our program, and we compare the behaviors of particles simulated in different experiments and compare the behaviors to the Fraunhofer approximation. Finally, we note how this program can then be used to simulate a variety of particles and initial conditions and their subsequent behaviors with different gratings in both the near and far regions.
This paper provides a complete physical model associated with mathematical analysis and formulation that is based on Schrödinger equation and Feynman path integral. This model answers to single Photon (electron) double slit experiment with high degree of accuracy. It also gives a new method of analysis and formulation for Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffractions that are completely according to the Schrödinger equation and Feynman path concept. The results of these methods are precisely in agreement with the near field and far field diffraction experiments. In other words the new formulation in all above mentioned phenomena i.e. single photon (electron) double slit experiment, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffractions are completely confirmed by lab experiments(measurements). Lab experiments mean common intensity and pattern experiments resulting from Fresnel (near field) diffraction, Fraunhofer (far field) diffraction and patterns resulting in single photon (electron) lab experiment. The resultant formulas are sketched and calculated by matlab program, the resultant graphs and values are compared with lab experiments in each section. This analysis substitutes wave function and probability density function concepts instead of interference of light beams emitted from infinitesimal pinholes or classical interpretation of near field diffraction and far field diffraction phenomena. The ultimate goal of this paper is to give a very accurate answer to the single particle double slit experiment and also to unify diffraction concept of classical optics in to quantum mechanics, deleting the traditional concept of phases in classical optics and substituting the concept of deflection of Feynman paths. The above mentioned analysis may be a glad tiding to a reliable method to unify classical optics in to quantum mechanics.
This paper provides a complete physical model associated with mathematical analysis and formulation that is based on Schrödinger equation and Feynman path integral. This model answers to single Photon (electron) double slit experiment with high degree of accuracy. It also gives a new method of analysis and formulation for Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffractions that are completely according to the Schrödinger equation and Feynman path concept. The results of these methods are precisely in agreement with the near field and far field diffraction experiments. In other words the new formulation in all above mentioned phenomena i.e. single photon (electron) double slit experiment, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffractions are completely confirmed by lab experiments(measurements). Lab experiments mean common intensity and pattern experiments resulting from Fresnel (near field) diffraction, Fraunhofer (far field) diffraction and patterns resulting in single photon (electron) lab experiment. The resultant formulas are sketched and calculated by matlab program, the resultant graphs and values are compared with lab experiments in each section. This analysis substitutes wave function and probability density function concepts instead of interference of light beams emitted from infinitesimal pinholes or classical interpretation of near field diffraction and far field diffraction phenomena. The ultimate goal of this paper is to give a very accurate answer to the single particle double slit experiment and also to unify diffraction concept of classical optics in to quantum mechanics, deleting the traditional concept of phases in classical optics and substituting the concept of deflection of Feynman paths. The above mentioned analysis may be a glad tiding to a reliable method to unify classical optics in to quantum mechanics.
In this article we present an analytic solution of the famous problem of diffraction and interference of electrons through one and two slits (for simplicity, only the one-dimensional case is considered). In addition to exact formulas, we exhibit various approximations of the electron distribution which facilitate the interpretation of the results. Our derivation is based on the Feynman path integral formula and this work could therefore also serve as an interesting pedagogical introduction to Feynman's formulation of quantum mechanics for university students dealing with the foundations of quantum mechanics.
In this article we hold on an analytic solution of the well-known cases of difraction and interference of electrons through one and two slits (simply that, the one-dimensional case is assumed only). In addition, we hold an approximations of the electron distribution which offer the interpretation of the results. Our derivation is based on the Feynman path integral formula and this work could also serve an awesome introduction to multiple slits interference. Then it is comparing between theoretical results and simulation in order to get interference pattern of it.
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.