Diffraction of light by counting photons: an excuse to learn tomeasure

Abstract

Performing laboratory practices during several days in which the students design the experiment allows them to delve into the concepts, focus on doubts and acquire more comprehensive notions of the subject. But above all it is more motivating and fun. With this in mind, a laboratory practice is proposed where students design and carry out an experiment where they acquire the diffraction pattern of a slit from counting individual photons, conducting a study on counting statistics and recovering, in the accumulation, the result expected by classical electromagnetism (optics). For this, they are offered a photomultiplier in photon counting mode together with simple, flexible and low-cost materials with which they can build their design, control the equipment and acquire the signals.