Interference and wave-particle duality of single photons

Abstract

The wave-particle duality has been said to contain the entire mystery of quantum mechanics. Many delayed-choice experiments have been performed to further understand the wave-particle duality. Here, we reveal some flaws in the known interference theories by comparing the theoretical predictions with the experimental facts and show that the presence of media is a necessary condition for interference of single photons, a photon interferes with other photon via microscopic particles in the interface of media, and the wave-like property of a photon originates from interaction between the photon and media; the particle property is the inherent characteristic of a photon, and the wave-like behavior of a photon always accompanies the particle behavior; the coherent time of single photons cannot be longer than the lifetime of the polarized states of the microscopic particles. Interference of single photons is interpreted properly, and the conundrum of the wave-particle duality is well solved.