How long can a Wavefunction exist for?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of wavefunctions in quantum mechanics, specifically addressing their existence and collapse. It is established that a wavefunction does not have a natural lifetime and persists until an event causes its collapse. The GRW (Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber) theory proposes a finite probability of wavefunction collapse into a localized state, although it lacks popularity due to insufficient experimental support. The notion of wavefunction collapse signifies a new beginning for the particle's history based on its new physical state.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with wavefunction concepts
  • Knowledge of wavefunction collapse phenomena
  • Basic grasp of Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber (GRW) theory
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  • Research the implications of wavefunction collapse in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber (GRW) theory in detail
  • Investigate experimental evidence related to wavefunction behavior
  • Learn about alternative interpretations of quantum mechanics, such as the Copenhagen interpretation
USEFUL FOR

Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in the foundations of quantum theory will benefit from this discussion.

Olias
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And can a collapsed wavefunction be retreived?
 
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Once the wave function has collapsed, it is gone, and the hisotry of the particle begins anew from whatever physical state the previous wave collapsed to.

There is no natural lifetime for a wave function. They are conceived as going along until something causes a collapse. This is all assuming the wave function is something physical, which is a doubtful assumption.
 
You might as well ask how long is a piece of string?

Actually saying that in GRW there is a finite proabilty of a wavefunction collapsing into a localized stae at any time, but GRW theory's hardly popular, mainly due to the fact that experimental evidence seems to disagree with it.
 

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