Wave-particle duality in multi-path interferometers: General concepts and three-path interferometers

Abstract

For two-path interferometers, the which-path predictability $\mathcal{P}$ and the fringe visibility $\mathcal{V}$ are familiar quantities that are much used to talk about wave-particle duality in a quantitative way. We discuss several candidates that suggest themselves as generalizations $P$ of $ mathcal{P}$ for multi-path interferometers, and treat the case of three paths in considerable detail. To each choice for the \emph{path knowledge} $P$, the \emph{interference strength} $V$ -- the corresponding generalization of $\mathcal{V}$ -- is found by a natural, operational procedure. In experimental terms it amounts to finding those equal-weight superpositions of the path amplitudes which maximize $P$ for the emerging intensities. Mathematically speaking, one needs to identify a certain optimal one among the Fourier transforms of the state of the interfering quantum object. Wave-particle duality is manifest, inasmuch as P=1 implies V=0 and V=1 implies P=0, whatever definition is chosen. The possible values of the pair $(P,V)$ are restricted to an area with corners at $(P,V)=(0,0)$, $(P,V)=(1,0)$, and $(P,V)=(0,1)$, with the shape of the border line from $(1,0)$ to $(0,1)$ depending on the particular choice for $P$ and the induced definition of $V$.