Physicists at MIT have conducted the “most idealized” double-slit experiment yet, providing further evidence that Albert Einstein’s theory on the phenomenon is incorrect. The experiment, which used ultracold atoms to mimic the behavior of light, demonstrated that detecting a particle’s path always disrupts an interference pattern.
The double-slit experiment, first performed by Thomas Young in 1801, was initially used to study the wave-like nature of light. However, subsequent experiments showed that when attempting to detect which slit light passed through, the interference pattern disappeared, suggesting that light behaves like a particle. Einstein debated with Niels Bohr on this topic and believed it would be possible to detect a photon’s path using sensitive springs.
However, recent work by MIT researchers has provided evidence that supports Bohr’s theory. The experiment involved cooling over 10,000 atoms to microkelvin temperatures and manipulating them into a crystal-like lattice. A weak beam of light was then shone through the atoms, creating an interference pattern similar to the classic double-slit experiment.
The key factor in this experiment was the “fuzziness” of the individual atoms, which allowed them to be easily disturbed by the light beam. The researchers found that as they increased the fuzziness of the atoms, the probability of the light behaving like a photon increased. This result closely matches theoretical predictions from quantum mechanics.
The study, published in Physical Review Letters, further supports the idea that Einstein’s theory on the double-slit experiment is incorrect. It also highlights the importance of understanding quantum correlations between photons and atoms. As research continues to refine our understanding of quantum mechanics, it is likely that this experiment will be revisited and refined further.
Source: https://www.iflscience.com/double-slit-experiment-performed-with-single-atoms-shows-einstein-was-wrong-80203