Investigation of classical and quantum interference using interferometery
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Ballroom A
Start Date
17-5-2012
End Date
17-5-2012
Abstract
As part of developing a Bell’s Inequality Test of Quantum Mechanics laboratory at CWU we have investigated classical interference using a Fabry-Perot and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The classical interference investigation was done using several HeNe lasers of different wavelengths. Optimization of data collection for the classical systems was accomplished by fabricating several pieces: a motorized micrometer platform, building a mount for a piezo electric tube, and building a fringe counting circuit. To investigate quantum interference the same Mach-Zhender interferometer was used but the HeNe laser beam was attenuated. We investigated alternative methods for attenuating the HeNe laser beam. An SBIG ST-7 CCD camera was evaluated for use as a single photon detector and used to collect data from the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The results were compared with results using a single photon counting module. The results were consistent with the predictions of single photon interference in the Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
Recommended Citation
Powell, Adam, "Investigation of classical and quantum interference using interferometery" (2012). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 102.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2012/posters/102
Poster Number
3
Additional Mentoring Department
Physics
Investigation of classical and quantum interference using interferometery
SURC Ballroom A
As part of developing a Bell’s Inequality Test of Quantum Mechanics laboratory at CWU we have investigated classical interference using a Fabry-Perot and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The classical interference investigation was done using several HeNe lasers of different wavelengths. Optimization of data collection for the classical systems was accomplished by fabricating several pieces: a motorized micrometer platform, building a mount for a piezo electric tube, and building a fringe counting circuit. To investigate quantum interference the same Mach-Zhender interferometer was used but the HeNe laser beam was attenuated. We investigated alternative methods for attenuating the HeNe laser beam. An SBIG ST-7 CCD camera was evaluated for use as a single photon detector and used to collect data from the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The results were compared with results using a single photon counting module. The results were consistent with the predictions of single photon interference in the Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Michael Braunstein, Mike Jackson