Matter diffraction through a double slit obtained by numerical simulation using a diffracted random electromagnetic field

Abstract

In this paper, we revisit the problem of the origin of the diffraction of matter. For this purpose we consider the electromagnetic radiation zero-point field (zpf) modified by the presence of a perfectly conducting plate with two parallel slits. A monochromatic field of wavelength of the order of the slit separation is considered. The effect of this modified zpf on the charged particles crossing the slits is analyzed using numerical methods to calculate the detailed particle trajectories. Calculations carried out for different values of the particle velocity, show in all cases random deviations caused by the diffracted field. For velocities close to de Broglie velocity, in particular, the pattern of trajectories obtained far from the plate points to the well-known diffraction phenomenon. To arrive at a definitive conclusion regarding particle diffraction, however, a much higher number of trajectories must be included in the calculations.