Classical and Non-Classical Experiments of Physical Optics: Showing New Mysteries and Testing Quantum Mechanics

Feynman (1956) called the double slit experiment "a phenomenon […] has in it the heart of quantum mechanics. In reality, it contains the only mystery". Penrose (2022) states that “the current quantum mechanics […] is an inconsistent theory”. To study the mystery, explore the nature of light, and test Penrose’s statement, we experimentally show, for the first time, Four Novel Phenomena that are also new mysteries. Single slit Parallel double slit Non-parallel double slit Curved double slit (1) in the same double slit experiment, within macroscopic distances from the diaphragm, the patterns are non-interference and then, gradually evolve to the orthogonal interference patterns; (2) in the same single slit experiment, within macroscopic distances from diaphragm, the patterns are non-diffraction and then, gradually evolve to the orthogonal diffraction patterns; (3) in the non-parallel-double-slits experiment, within macroscopic distances from diaphragm, we observe non-wave pattern and then, which gradually evolve to the hybrid patterns, namely the interference pattern embedded in the diffraction patterns; the hybrid patterns depend on the angle between two slits; (4) Curved-double slit produces non-wave pattern, then gradually evolve to Arc-interference pattern, and then, gradually evolving to Point-symmetry interference pattern. In order to show the universality of each of Four Novel Phenomena, we performed several experiments for each of Four Novel Phenomena. The differences between the single slit, parallel-double slit, non-parallel-double slit and Curved-double slit do not seem so suggestive. However, the patterns are unexpectedly fundamentally different. To consistently/completely explain above Four Novel Phenomena is the challenge to the existing wave theories. The new experimental phenomena support Penrose’s statement. Advances in physical optical experiments demand a consistent/complete theory.