Bhatta, Varun (2024) The Controversy about Interference of Photons. Studies in History and Philosophy of Science, 106. pp. 146-154. ISSN 00393681
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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.
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| Item Type: | Published Article or Volume | ||||||
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| Keywords: | History of Quantum Optics, Interference, Photons, Dirac's Dictum | ||||||
| Subjects: | General Issues > History of Science Case Studies Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics |
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| Depositing User: | Dr Varun Bhatta | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 22 Jul 2024 11:43 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 22 Jul 2024 11:43 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 23712 | ||||||
| Journal or Publication Title: | Studies in History and Philosophy of Science | ||||||
| Publisher: | Elseiver | ||||||
| Official URL: | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/... | ||||||
| DOI or Unique Handle: | 10.1016/j.shpsa.2024.06.003 | ||||||
| Subjects: | General Issues > History of Science Case Studies Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics |
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| Date: | July 2024 | ||||||
| Page Range: | pp. 146-154 | ||||||
| Volume: | 106 | ||||||
| ISSN: | 00393681 | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23712 |
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The Controversy about Interference of Photons. (deposited 27 Jun 2024 13:53)
- The Controversy about Interference of Photons. (deposited 22 Jul 2024 11:43) [Currently Displayed]
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