Evidence to challenge the wave-interference model of light in the double-slit experiment

The wave-interference model has been used to explain the banding pattern of light in double-slit experiments for more than two centuries. In that model, interference of crests and troughs of continuous light waves are postulated to underlie the light bands. Moreover, small particles such as electrons also demonstrate a similar diffraction pattern when passed through a double slit, and these observations serve as a key element of the concept of wave-particle duality. However, the behavior of light as continuous waves in this model has not been critically assessed. In this study using readily available materials, it was demonstrated that the banding pattern of light in the double-slit experiment did not require convergence of light from each slit at the target or passage of light through both slits. Blocking the light emerging from one slit before it reached the target did not affect the banding pattern on the contralateral side. When light was prevented from entering one of the slits, a full banding pattern was still evident. These properties are inconsistent with the interpretation of interference of light waves emerging from each of the slits. Instead, they suggest that the patterns emerge as identical, superimposed patterns from each slit. Assuming that these observations can be confirmed using more sophisticated equipment, and assuming that a similar mechanism(s) underlies the diffraction pattern of particles in similar experiments, an explanation invoking interference may be insufficient to explain those results as well. (C) 2016 Physics Essays Publication.