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The controversy about interference of photons.
- Source :
-
Studies in History & Philosophy of Science Part A . Aug2024, Vol. 106, p146-154. 9p. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- In the 1960s, the demonstration of interference effects using two laser-beams raised the question: can two photons interfere? Its plausibility contested Dirac's dictum, "Interference between two different photons never occurs". Disagreements about this conflict led to a controversy. This paper will chart the controversy's contour and show that it evolved over two phases. Subsequently, I investigate the reasons for its perpetuation. The controversy was initiated and fuelled by several misinterpretations of the dictum. I also argue that Dirac's dictum is not applicable to two photon interference as they belong to different contexts of interference. Recognising this resolves the controversy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *QUANTUM interference
*QUANTUM optics
*PHOTONS
*NINETEEN sixties
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00393681
- Volume :
- 106
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Studies in History & Philosophy of Science Part A
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 178885090
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shpsa.2024.06.003