Is sunlight through gaps in leaves during an eclipse decohered?

In summary, the conversation discusses whether the phenomenon of being able to see the shape of the sun and moon through gaps in leaves is due to the light being photons instead of waves. The speaker suggests looking into the pinhole effect and clarifies that this is a classical, not quantum mechanical, phenomenon. They also mention the possibility of decoherence affecting diffraction. The conversation ends with the speaker reiterating that this is a classical phenomenon and the thread being closed.
  • #1
quantuminternet
3
0
TL;DR Summary
Example of decoherence?
Is the reason you can make out the shape of the sun and the moon is because the gaps between the leaves cause the light to be photons instead of waves?
 
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  • #2
I am not sure what phenomenon you are considering, but if it is what I think it is, then you should look up the pinhole effect
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinhole_(optics)

In any case, there is nothing quantum mechanical taking place here. You can treat the light here as a classical electromagnetic wave.
 
  • #3
I'm saying it is pinhole + decoherence. There would be more diffraction if it wasn't decohered.
 
  • Skeptical
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  • #4
quantuminternet said:
I'm saying it is pinhole + decoherence.

You can say whatever you want, but it doesn't make it true.

DrClaude said:
In any case, there is nothing quantum mechanical taking place here.

This.
 
  • #5
quantuminternet said:
Is the reason you can make out the shape of the sun and the moon is because the gaps between the leaves cause the light to be photons instead of waves?
No. This is a completely classical phenomenon that as nothing to do with quantum mechanics, photons, or decoherence.

This thread is closed.
 

1. What is decoherence?

Decoherence is the process by which a quantum system loses its coherence and behaves more like a classical system. It is caused by interactions with the environment, which causes the system to become entangled with its surroundings and lose its quantum properties.

2. How does sunlight through gaps in leaves during an eclipse affect decoherence?

Sunlight passing through gaps in leaves during an eclipse can cause decoherence by introducing external interactions with the quantum system. This can disrupt the delicate balance of the system and cause it to lose its coherence.

3. Can decoherence be observed during an eclipse?

Yes, decoherence can be observed during an eclipse by studying the behavior of quantum systems, such as particles or atoms, during the event. Scientists can measure the loss of coherence and compare it to other non-eclipse conditions to determine the effects of sunlight through gaps in leaves.

4. How does the intensity of sunlight through gaps in leaves affect decoherence?

The intensity of sunlight through gaps in leaves can have a significant impact on decoherence. Higher intensity can cause more disruptions and interactions with the quantum system, leading to a faster loss of coherence. Lower intensity may still cause decoherence, but at a slower rate.

5. Is sunlight through gaps in leaves the only factor that affects decoherence during an eclipse?

No, sunlight through gaps in leaves is not the only factor that affects decoherence during an eclipse. Other environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and air currents, can also play a role in disrupting the quantum system and causing decoherence.

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