Question

What is the outcome when 2 (distinguishable) photons hit a beam splitter?

a) Both photons pass through
b) One photon reflects, one passes through
c) Both photons reflect
d) One photon disappears

Answer 1

When two distinguishable photons hit a beam splitter, the outcome can be both photons passing through, one reflecting and one passing through, or both reflecting.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two distinguishable photons hit a beam splitter, the outcome depends on the type of beam splitter used. There are two common types: a 50/50 beam splitter and a 50/50 beam splitter with a phase change.

For a 50/50 beam splitter, the photons will have an equal chance of either passing through or reflecting off the splitter. So the outcome could be both photons passing through, one reflecting and one passing through, or both reflecting.

For a 50/50 beam splitter with a phase change, the outcome will be the same as with a regular beam splitter, but there will be a phase shift of 180 degrees for the reflected photon.

Answer 2

When two distinguishable photons hit a beam splitter, they may either both pass through, both reflect, or one may reflect while the other passes through. The frequency of the photons does not change upon interaction with the beam splitter.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two distinguishable photons hit a beam splitter several outcomes are possible due to the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. The possible outcomes are as follows:

a) Both photons pass through the beam splitter

b) One photon reflects while the other passes through
c) Both photons reflect.

d) One photon disappears.

However, option d is not physically possible as it violates the law of conservation of energy. Photons either reflect or transmit; they do not just disappear. Moreover, the probability that both photons will either reflect or transmit is affected by quantum interference effects especially in instances where the photons are identical or entangled.

When considering the frequency of photons, it does not change upon interaction with a beam splitter so the frequency will remain the same after hitting a beam splitter.