Why Kastner analysis does not apply to a modified Afshar experiment

Eduardo Flores; Ernst Knoesel

doi:10.1117/12.730965

31 August 2007 Why Kastner analysis does not apply to a modified Afshar experiment

Eduardo Flores, Ernst Knoesel

Proceedings Volume 6664, The Nature of Light: What Are Photons?; 66640O (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.730965
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In an analysis of the Afshar experiment R.E. Kastner points out that the selection system used in this experiment randomly separates the photons that go to the detectors, and therefore no which-way information is obtained. In this paper we present a modified but equivalent version of the Afshar experiment that does not contain a selection device. The double-slit is replaced by two separate coherent laser beams that overlap under a small angle. At the intersection of the beams an interference pattern can be inferred in a non-perturbative manner, which confirms the existence of a superposition state. In the far field the beams separate without the use of a lens system. Momentum conservation warranties that which-way information is preserved. We also propose an alternative sequence of Stern-Gerlach devices that represents a close analogue to the Afshar experimental set up.

Citation Download Citation

Eduardo Flores and Ernst Knoesel "Why Kastner analysis does not apply to a modified Afshar experiment", Proc. SPIE 6664, The Nature of Light: What Are Photons?, 66640O (31 August 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.730965

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