MIT physicists have conducted a pivotal experiment that reaffirms the dual nature of light, demonstrating its behavior as both a particle and a wave. This study offers clarity on a longstanding debate in quantum mechanics.
The double-slit experiment, first performed by Thomas Young in 1801, revealed that light can produce an interference pattern, characteristic of waves. However, when attempts were made to observe the path of individual photons, the interference pattern disappeared, suggesting particle-like behavior. This paradox has been a central topic in quantum physics discussions.
In their recent experiment, the MIT team utilized individual atoms as slits and directed weak beams of light to scatter single photons. By controlling the quantum states of the atoms, they were able to manipulate the information obtained about the photon's path. Their findings confirmed that acquiring knowledge about the photon's path diminishes the visibility of the interference pattern, aligning with quantum mechanical predictions.
This experiment not only supports the principles of quantum mechanics but also provides insight into the fundamental nature of light, resolving a historical debate in the field.