The article discusses software development of the virtual lab “Tonomura's single-electron double slit experiment”. The second-year IT students' team of the Novosibirsk State Technical University NETI (NSTU NETI) developed the interactive simulator of the famous experiment demonstrating the corpuscular-wave properties of electrons. The relativistic energy-momentum relation for electrons and the superposition principle for wave functions were used in forming mathematical models. The original algorithm was developed to simulate random dynamics of the single electron interference pattern formation. The virtual lab is implemented on the basis of the Unity game engine (C\#) based on the principles of Clean Architecture. The virtual laboratory with the electron microscope and two monitors is visualized in the main window. The first virtual monitor is used to set up and display the user-specified values of the physical parameters. The second virtual monitor dynamically displays the interference pattern sequentially formed by individual electrons. The IT students' work was carried out in the process of organized STEM oriented project activities of computer modeling at the Department of General Physics of the NSTU NETI. The virtual lab can be used in the educational process when students learn quantum physics.
The article discusses software development of the virtual lab “Tonomura's single-electron double slit experiment”. The second-year IT students' team of the Novosibirsk State Technical University NETI (NSTU NETI) developed the interactive simulator of the famous experiment demonstrating the corpuscular-wave properties of electrons. The relativistic energy-momentum relation for electrons and the superposition principle for wave functions were used in forming mathematical models. The original algorithm was developed to simulate random dynamics of the single electron interference pattern formation. The virtual lab is implemented on the basis of the Unity game engine (C#) based on the principles of Clean Architecture. The virtual laboratory with the electron microscope and two monitors is visualized in the main window. The first virtual monitor is used to set up and display the user-specified values of the physical parameters. The second virtual monitor dynamically displays the interference pattern sequentially formed by individual electrons. The IT students' work was carried out in the process of organized STEM oriented project activities of computer modeling at the Department of General Physics of the NSTU NETI. The virtual lab can be used in the educational process when students learn quantum physics.
Abstract Quantum mechanics, the cornerstone of modern physics, is often perceived as abstract and complex, particularly by beginners, with regard to the wave-particle duality of microscopic particles. Traditional teaching methods often fail to foster an intuitive understanding of these concepts among students. Consequently, the search for more effective, interactive teaching tools has become a priority for educators. Our objective is to demystify complex quantum mechanical concepts, spark students’ interest in learning, and deepen their understanding, ultimately improving teaching effectiveness. In our research, we used LabVIEW software to develop a visual display and interactive simulation for double-slit interference and circular aperture diffraction experiments of electrons. This module allows students to simulate these experiments and adjust parameters, providing an intuitive observation of quantum behavior under various conditions. The results indicate that using the LabVIEW multimedia module significantly enhances students’ comprehension and interest in quantum mechanics, particularly with respect to wave-particle duality. We also employed the Feynman path integral idea to explain some of the simulation phenomena. This LabVIEW-based simulation not only renders abstract concepts more tangible and visual but also fosters active learning and experimental investigation. We posit that this study introduces a novel and valuable tool for teaching quantum mechanics and provides insights for the future of quantum mechanics education.
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.
Quantum mechanism is a more Abstract science.In order to display some principles and experimental results in quantum mechanics with a more intuitive way,the MATLAB software is used to build a visual platform for quantum mechanics,which can vividly demonstrate double-slit electron diffraction,quantum tunneling effects,the hydrogen atoms electron cloud and the Stark effect and so on.When the related physical parameters are inputted,the corresponding physical phenomena will display on the platform,which allow the students to obtain a more direct learning experience in study.
Quantum mechanics has fundamentally changed the way scientists think about the world. Quantum mechanical theory has found it's way into our everyday lives through advances in technology. In this dissertation a fundamental quantum mechanical demonstration and the technological development of a new quantum mechanical device are presented. Double-slit diffraction is a corner stone of quantum mechanics. It illustrates key features of quantum mechanics: interference and the particle-wave duality of matter. Here we demonstrate the full realization of Richard Feynman's famous thought experiment. By placing a movable mask in front of a double-slit to control the transmission through the individuals slits. Probability distributions for single- and double-slit arrangements were observed. Additionally, by recording single electron detection events diffracting through a double-slit,a diffraction pattern was built up from individual events. Additionally, a demonstration of a three grating Talbot-Lau interferometer for electrons is presented. As a proof of principle the interferometer is used to measure magnetic fields. The possibility to extend this work to build a scaled-up electron interferometer for sensitive magnetic field sensing is discussed. A theoretical model is presented to simulate the two experiments. This model is developed from Richard Feynman's path integral formalism, where a wave function is propagated through the elements of the system. The theoretical simulations reproduce the experimental data well, except for a large discrepancy of a factor of 5.5 between the experimental and theoretical sensitivity of the Talbot-Lau interferometer. The origin of the discrepancy is currently unknown. These experiments were built off of previous work done here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and improvements to the preexisting system are discussed. While these experiments likely did not demonstrate anything contrary to conventional quantum mechanics, it is important to continually probe these types of experiments to test the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and explore it's technical applications. Advisor: Herman Batelaan
The double slits experiment is a basic phenomenon, which allows to explain principal behaviour of quantum systems. However, textbooks present static pictures of corresponding interference patterns. At the same time, modern computer software for PDE solution provides an opportunity for dynamical modeling of a wave function behaviour using a numerical solution of Schroedinger's equation and to use the obtained demonstrations in a teaching of physics. This material presents such a dynamical animated simulation.
Abstract Double-slit experiments have provided evidence that particles, such as electrons, have wave-like properties. This inference stems from the wave-like interference pattern particles produce after passing through double-slits in a barrier. Understanding why particles have this property has stimulated research into many compelling theories. However, a consensus remains elusive and inconsistencies with gravity and other phenomenon are major challenges of these ideas. A hypothesis, suggested here, is that the propagation of virtual particles (a particle and anti-particle pair that only remain in existence for a brief moment) is the cause of the interference patterns in the double-slit experiment. In this hypothesis, virtual particles are continuously produced at the edge of a particle. Virtual particles continue to propagate other virtual particle pairs further away before they collapse. The double-slits cause ripples in the propagating (and back-propagating) virtual particles, which generates the interference pattern of the observed particles. This explanation assumes that particles are influenced by direct contact with virtual particles rather than fields or wave-properties of the particle. An included simulation of this hypothesis suggests that interference patterns could be a consequence of propagating virtual particles.