Poisson Spot: Single Photon Interference
Document Type
Poster
Campus where you would like to present
Ellensburg
Event Website
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source
Start Date
18-5-2020
Abstract
In the Poisson Spot experiment electromagnetic waves obstructed by a circular object display a localized bright spot centered in the shadow. Classically this demonstration is explained by interference due to the wave nature of light; however, photon interference should exhibit the same effect. In this experiment a novel method was introduced for the investigation of the Poisson Spot phenomenon under the constraints of a source of single photons. Utilizing spontaneous parametric down conversion, two photons were detected in coincidence by avalanche photodiodes. The path of one of the photons was then obstructed by a small ball bearing. Preliminary data obtained exhibits evidence of a Poisson Spot constituted by single photon interactions similar in form to the classical phenomenon.
Recommended Citation
Toulou, Connor, "Poisson Spot: Single Photon Interference" (2020). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 96.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2020/COTS/96
Department/Program
Physics
Additional Mentoring Department
https://cwu.studentopportunitycenter.com/2020/04/poisson-spot-single-photon-interference/
Poisson Spot: Single Photon Interference
Ellensburg
In the Poisson Spot experiment electromagnetic waves obstructed by a circular object display a localized bright spot centered in the shadow. Classically this demonstration is explained by interference due to the wave nature of light; however, photon interference should exhibit the same effect. In this experiment a novel method was introduced for the investigation of the Poisson Spot phenomenon under the constraints of a source of single photons. Utilizing spontaneous parametric down conversion, two photons were detected in coincidence by avalanche photodiodes. The path of one of the photons was then obstructed by a small ball bearing. Preliminary data obtained exhibits evidence of a Poisson Spot constituted by single photon interactions similar in form to the classical phenomenon.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2020/COTS/96
Faculty Mentor(s)
Michael Braunstein