Abstract:
In the 1960s, the demonstration of interference effects using two laser-beams raised the question: can two photons interfere? Its plausibility contested Dirac\'s dictum, \"Interference between two different photons never occurs\". Disagreements about this conflict led to a controversy. This paper will chart the controversy\'s contour and show that it evolved over two phases. Subsequently, I investigate the reasons for its perpetuation. The controversy was initiated and fuelled by several misinterpretations of the dictum. I also argue that Dirac\'s dictum is not applicable to two photon interference as they belong to different contexts of interference. Recognising this resolves the controversy.
摘要:
在1960年代,使用两束激光束的干扰效应的演示提出了一个问题:两个光子会干扰吗?它的合理性与狄拉克的格言有争议,“两个不同光子之间的干扰永远不会发生”。关于这场冲突的分歧导致了争议。本文将绘制争议的轮廓,并表明它分为两个阶段。随后,我调查了它延续的原因。争议是由对该格言的几种误解引发和加剧的。我还认为狄拉克的格言不适用于双光子干涉,因为它们属于不同的干涉背景。认识到这一点可以解决争议。