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DOE OSTI · 3001203

Time-reversed Young’s experiment: Deterministic, diffractionless second-order interference effect

Wen, Jianming [Binghamton University, NY (United States)] (ORCID:0000000333737108)
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Abstract

The classic Young’s double-slit experiment exhibits first-order interference, producing alternating bright and dark fringes shaped by the diffraction effect of the slits. In contrast, here we demonstrate that its time-reversed configuration generates an ideal, deterministic second-order ‘ghost’ interference pattern free from diffraction and first-order effects with the use of only a position-fixed detector. The pattern’s size is governed by the dimensions of the ‘effectively extended light source’ formed by point emitter(s). Beyond highlighting the nonreciprocal physics between the two configurations, this system unlocks a range of novel phenomena inaccessible in traditional double-slit experiments. These include fully programmable, digitized interference fringe formations and the ability to align the pattern plane with the source plane on the same side of the setup. Remarkably, our proposed experiment achieves these outcomes without relying on nonclassical correlations or quantum entanglement. Here, by restoring time-reversal symmetry and eliminating diffraction, our theoretical analysis reveals that this approach offers exciting potential for advancing optical imaging and sensing technologies with improved transverse and longitudinal phase-shift sensitivity and resolution limit beyond current limitations.

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74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICSDeterministic interference formationDiffractionless interferenceSecond-order correlationSuperresolution sensing and imagingTime-reversed opticsYoung’s double-slit experiment

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Wen, Jianming [Binghamton University, NY (United States)] (ORCID:0000000333737108). 2025-11-04. Time-reversed Young’s experiment: Deterministic, diffractionless second-order interference effect. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optcom.2025.132612

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