Can the wave function collapse before being measured?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of wave function collapse in quantum mechanics, specifically questioning whether it can occur before measurement. Participants assert that the notion of wave collapse is misleading and outdated, emphasizing that it lacks physical reality. The conversation touches on the implications of faster-than-light communication and retrocausality, particularly in the context of delayed-choice quantum eraser (DCQE) experiments. Overall, the consensus is to move beyond the traditional concept of collapse in quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with quantum entanglement
  • Knowledge of delayed-choice quantum eraser (DCQE) experiments
  • Basic grasp of relativity and its implications on information transfer
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of retrocausality in quantum mechanics
  • Study the formalism of quantum mechanics without the wave function collapse concept
  • Explore the role of measurement in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the philosophical implications of faster-than-light communication
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of measurement and information transfer in quantum theory.

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N.B. I am not trying to send information back in time or generate infinite free energy (also I couldn't find how to delete the other thread but could a moderator please delete it for me)

If you could send classical information signals faster than light, then according to relativity you could communicate backwards in time.

The wave collapse for quantum entanglement travels faster than light. So can wave collapse happen to a quantum state caused by a future measurement or did I make a mistake? If it is true what does it imply?
 
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This is your 3rd question about collapse...
Your next question will be about collapse before the very first measurement device was formed.
Just forget about the collapse...
It is completely misleading and obsolete concept
 
Last edited:
Dmitry67 said:
This is your 3rd question about collapse...
Your next question will be about collapse before the very first measurement device was formed.
Just forget about the collapse...
It is completely misleading and obsolete concept

Too true.

Least Action... you're asking practical question about an abstract concept that is only useful as a mechanism in the formalism of QM... it probably has no physical reality. I can't tell if you're trying to understand retrocausality as in DCQE experiments, or if you're futzing around with time travel.
 

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