Open AccessOn the wave-particle duality within the framework of modeling single-photon interference
Author(s) -
Alexandr Davydov,
Tatiana Zlydneva
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of physics. conference series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.21
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1742-6596
pISSN - 1742-6588
DOI - 10.1088/1742-6596/1399/2/022019
Subject(s) - physics , duality (order theory) , photon , wave–particle duality , wave function , function (biology) , quantum mechanics , atom (system on chip) , electromagnetic radiation , interference (communication) , representation (politics) , diffraction , double slit experiment , quantum electrodynamics , classical mechanics , quantum , mathematics , computer science , channel (broadcasting) , discrete mathematics , evolutionary biology , biology , embedded system , computer network , politics , political science , law
The general results of constructing and modeling the photon wave function in the coordinate representation in the framework of quantum mechanics are presented in order to explain single-photon interference phenomena, in particular Young’s experiment. The relevance of this function is emphasized in connection with modern single-photon and two-photon experiments. The necessity of replacing the explanation of obtaining coherent light sources using the concept of a train of supposedly real electromagnetic waves emitted by one atom, by the conditional emission by this atom of the photon wave function in the coordinate representation, which then experiences diffraction and interference, is substantiated. A single-photon wave function is simulated based on the consideration of the electric dipole radiation of an atom in classical electrodynamics, and a conclusion is drawn on the possibility to explain Young’s experiment. It is argued that although the photon wave function (as well as of particles having mass) is not a physical object, the application of this function significantly weakens the problem of wave-particle duality of light. It is assumed the “nature” of this function reflects the properties of a physical vacuum, but new experiments are required to clarify it.