Say that the probability amplitude for a photon to arrive at a detector is 1/(1+i). What is the probability that the detector records a photon? Similarly, what would be the probability of detecting a photon if the probability amplitude equals i? (Hint: See attatched image for more on finding the probability amplitude)

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Say that the probability amplitude for a photon to arrive at a detector is 1/(1+i). What is the probability that the detector records a photon? Similarly, what would be the probability of detecting a photon if the probability amplitude equals i?

(Hint: See attatched image for more on finding the probability amplitude)

**Probability Amplitude Concepts in Quantum Mechanics**

1. **Detection Probability:**
   The likelihood of detecting a particle is expressed as \( z^*z \), where \( z \) represents the probability amplitude, and \( z^* \) is its complex conjugate.

2. **Sequential Processes:**
   To find the probability amplitude for a process occurring in multiple steps—such as the movement of a photon from a light source to a beam splitter, then through the beam splitter, and finally to a photodetector—we calculate it by multiplying the probability amplitudes of each step:
   \[
   z = z_a z_b \ldots
   \]

3. **Multiple Pathways:**
   When a particle has various potential paths between the source and the detector, the probability amplitude for detecting the particle is derived from the sum of the individual probability amplitudes for each possible path:
   \[
   z = z_1 + z_2 + \ldots
   \] 

These principles are foundational in understanding how quantum particles behave and how probabilities are calculated in different scenarios.
Transcribed Image Text:**Probability Amplitude Concepts in Quantum Mechanics** 1. **Detection Probability:** The likelihood of detecting a particle is expressed as \( z^*z \), where \( z \) represents the probability amplitude, and \( z^* \) is its complex conjugate. 2. **Sequential Processes:** To find the probability amplitude for a process occurring in multiple steps—such as the movement of a photon from a light source to a beam splitter, then through the beam splitter, and finally to a photodetector—we calculate it by multiplying the probability amplitudes of each step: \[ z = z_a z_b \ldots \] 3. **Multiple Pathways:** When a particle has various potential paths between the source and the detector, the probability amplitude for detecting the particle is derived from the sum of the individual probability amplitudes for each possible path: \[ z = z_1 + z_2 + \ldots \] These principles are foundational in understanding how quantum particles behave and how probabilities are calculated in different scenarios.
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