Double-Slit Experiments with Microwave Billiards

TL;DR

This study investigates how classical dynamics (regular vs. chaotic) of microwave billiards influence interference patterns in single and double-slit experiments, using a novel antenna array method to control wave packet direction.

Contribution

Introduces a new method for constructing directed microwave wave packets to study the impact of billiard dynamics on interference patterns.

Findings

Interference patterns depend on billiard shape and initial wave packet conditions.

Chaotic billiards produce different interference structures compared to regular billiards.

Wave packet direction significantly influences the observed interference patterns.

Abstract

Single and double-slit experiments are performed with two microwave billiards with the shapes of a rectangle, respectively, a quarter stadium. The classical dynamics of the former is regular, that of the latter is chaotic. Microwaves can leave the billiards via slits in the boundary, forming interference patterns on a screen. The aim is to determine the effect of the billiard dynamics on their structure. For this the development of a method for the construction of a directed wave packet by means of an array of multiple antennas was crucial. The interference patterns show a sensitive dependence not only on the billiard dynamics but also on the initial position and direction of the wave packet.