Wave-Particle Duality

One of the most fundamental and mind-bending concepts in quantum mechanics is wave-particle duality.

The Double-Slit Experiment

When particles (like photons or electrons) pass through two slits:

Classical expectation: Two bands on the detector

Quantum reality: An interference pattern (like waves!)

Even when particles are sent one at a time, the interference pattern still emerges over many measurements.

What Does This Mean?

Each particle seems to pass through both slits simultaneously and interfere with itself. This is only possible if it behaves like a wave.

But when we try to observe which slit the particle goes through, the interference pattern disappears! The act of measurement changes the outcome.

de Broglie Wavelength

Every particle has an associated wavelength:

λ = h / p

Where:

λ = wavelength

h = Planck's constant

p = momentum

Implications for Photonic Quantum Computing

In LUXBIN's photonic approach, we use single photons as qubits:

Photons naturally exhibit wave properties

Interference is used for quantum gates

Beam splitters create superposition

Phase shifters control the quantum state

Key Takeaway

Light is neither purely a wave nor purely a particle—it's something more fundamental that exhibits both behaviors depending on how we observe it.