Loss of coherence in double-slit diffraction experiments

7 págs.; 3 figs.; PACS numberssd: 03.65.Yz, 03.65.Ta, 03.75.DgThe effects of incoherence and decoherence in a double-slit experiment are studied using both optical and quantum-phenomenological models. The results are compared with experimental data obtained with cold neutrons. ©2005 American Physical SocietyThis work was supported in part by MCyT Spaind under Contracts No. BFM2000-347 and No. BQU2003-8212. A.S.S. gratefully acknowledges partial support from the Consejería de Educación y Cultura of the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid.Peer Reviewe