Experiments supporting the momentum exchange theory description for photon diffraction

Abstract

Mobley (2018) presented Momentum Exchange Theory (MET) as an alternative picture for photon diffraction, providing comparable predictions to Classical Optical Wave and Boundary Diffraction Wave Theories. MET explains diffraction scattering in terms of momentum transfer probabilities determined by two primary factors: 1) the momentum transfer states of the scattering lattice (aperture); and 2) the distance and location of momentum transfer between the lattice and the scattered photon path. For example, MET was illustrated examining straight edge diffraction where the Fresnel pattern is obtained assuming local maxima in the probability of perpendicular momentum exchange approximated by Δp = ±(2j+1)h/4x, where x is the distance between the photon’s path and the edge, (j = 0, 1, 2, 3…). This study explores diffraction experiments that might discriminate between the predictions of MET and alternative wave theories. This reports preliminary results with novel observations supporting descriptions based upon MET. Experiments examine diffraction of a narrow laser beam by thin aluminum ribbons with a variety of configurations: e.g. diffraction by the edge of an Al ribbon and single-slit diffraction between Al ribbons. Additional fringes are observed in diffraction patterns with a dependence related to Δp = ±(2j+1)h/2L where L is the width of the Al ribbon. Photon scattering exhibits similarities in dependence to multiple-slit diffraction but where the photons only pass through a single slit. Observations suggest the photon scattering probabilities are dependent on the electromagnetic field geometry that determines momentum exchange at the aperture as predicted by MET.