Virtual optics lab

Guided experiments on a simulated optical table: dim a laser down to single photons, measure g², and send photons through a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, a which-path marker and a quantum eraser.

Lessons

From a laser beam to single photons

  • A laser beam
  • Dim the light
  • Split the beam

A photon interfering with itself

  • Two paths, one photon
  • Change the length of one path
  • Block one path
  • Mark the path
  • Erase the mark