Explore the Quantum Wave Interference
Fire photons, electrons or neutrons one at a time and watch the wave pattern build dot by dot. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Quantum Wave Interference with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Quantum Wave Interference?
Fire photons, electrons or neutrons one at a time and watch the wave pattern build dot by dot. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Electron microscopes and quantum computing rely on the wave nature of particles.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Single particles build up an interference pattern.
Each particle is detected at one place.
A detector at the slits destroys the pattern.
Fire 500 photons and see the fringes.
Turn on the detector.
Switch to neutrons.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Atomic & Quantum learners
Advanced high-school and university students in chemistry and physics, and curious learners who want to see how the atomic world behaves.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Quantum Wave Interference (Double Slit) on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Turn on the detector. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why does the pattern appear with single particles?
Each particle behaves like a wave that goes through both slits and interferes with itself, but is detected as a single dot.
What happens if you watch which slit?
The interference disappears and you see two blobs.
Is the Quantum Wave Interference (Double Slit) free to use?
Yes. The Quantum Wave Interference (Double Slit) is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Atomic & Quantum group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Quantum Wave Interference (Double Slit) work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Quantum Wave Interference (Double Slit) takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 4 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Quantum Wave Interference?
1. In the Quantum Wave Interference (Double Slit), use the controls to change Particle, Slit separation, Rate, Which-slit detector. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Quantum Wave Interference (Double Slit), pick an option such as Photon, Electron, Neutron, Off to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Quantum Wave Interference (Double Slit), press "Clear screen" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Fire 500 photons and see the fringes. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Quantum Wave Interference (Double Slit) responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Single particles build up an interference pattern.
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Try the Quantum Wave Interference now
Fire photons, electrons or neutrons one at a time and watch the wave pattern build dot by. Free to use.
Try it free