Complementarity explained by a rogue theory, promoted by a psychiatrist who is an APS member

ORAL

Abstract

Complementarity can be explained by a rogue theory: Elementary Wave theory, which says particles follow zero energy waves backwards. Suspend your disbelief for a moment. In the double slit experiment waves emanate from every point of the target screen. The waves through the upper and lower slit interfere in proximity to the particle gun. If A is the amplitude at the gun of a wave through slit A, B is the amplitude of a wave through slit B, then the probability of a particle being triggered in response to an incident wave is proportional to (A $+$ B) squared. The particle would follow that wave backwards with a probability of one and make a dot on the target screen at that location from which the wave originated. The target screen shows us a map of the interference located near the particle gun. If a detector is introduced, it emits a tiny amount of energy, which in turn changes the elementary wave so it is incapable of interacting with its mate: the wave through the other slit. There is no further constructive or destructive interference. They are two independent waves. The screen now shows us no interference near the gun.

Authors

  • Jeffrey Boyd

    Retired