Momentum exchange in the electron double-slit experiment

TL;DR

This paper investigates momentum conservation in the electron double-slit experiment, proposing a potential physical mechanism involving vacuum fields and discussing the role of particle trajectories, with implications for understanding quantum phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces a hypothesis that a physical mechanism, possibly involving vacuum fields, accounts for momentum exchange in electron double-slit experiments, extending prior knowledge from crystal diffraction to nano-fabricated slits.

Findings

Supports momentum conservation at the event level.

Proposes a vacuum field-based explanation for momentum exchange.

Discusses the relevance of particle trajectories in quantum interference.

Abstract

We provide support for the claim that momentum is conserved for individual events in the electron double slit experiment. The natural consequence is that a physical mechanism is responsible for this momentum exchange, but that even if the fundamental mechanism is known for electron crystal diffraction and the Kapitza-Dirac effect, it is unknown for electron diffraction from nano-fabricated double slits. Work towards a proposed explanation in terms of particle trajectories affected by a vacuum field is discussed. The contentious use of trajectories is discussed within the context of oil droplet analogues of double slit diffraction.