Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser Question

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the concept of retrocausality in quantum mechanics, particularly in relation to the delayed choice quantum eraser (DCQE) experiment. Participants clarify that DCQE does not demonstrate retrocausality, as the interference patterns observed are contingent upon the measurement of entangled photons, which does not alter past events. Key figures mentioned include John Cramer, who advocates for retrocausality through his transactional interpretation, and Birgit Dopfer, whose experiment under Anton Zeilinger's supervision is referenced. The consensus is that while retrocausality is a debated topic, it remains largely unsupported by the physics community.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, specifically wave-particle duality.
  • Familiarity with the delayed choice quantum eraser (DCQE) experiment.
  • Knowledge of entangled particles and their implications in quantum theory.
  • Awareness of the transactional interpretation of quantum mechanics as proposed by John Cramer.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the delayed choice quantum eraser (DCQE) experiment on quantum mechanics.
  • Explore John Cramer's transactional interpretation and its stance on retrocausality.
  • Study the EPR (Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen) experiment and its relevance to entanglement and retrocausality.
  • Investigate the philosophical implications of retrocausality in quantum mechanics and its critiques.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of time and causality in quantum theory.

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  • #32
rkastner said:
you can find it here: http://transactionalinterpretation.org/

Scroll down a bit

I liked the PowerPoint presentation, Ruth. :smile: Nice job of delineating some of the differences between TI and CI.
 
  • #33
rkastner said:
you can find it here: http://transactionalinterpretation.org/
Scroll down a bit

Thanks Ruth, I'll take a look at the material in your website and let you know if I have questions or comments on it.
 
  • #34
Thanks Dr. Chinese! :)
 
  • #35
rkastner said:
Causality is a very slippery notion indeed. I do address this in Chapter 7 of my book.


Ruth, I have now read chapter 7. In it you say:
"As noted in Chapter 1, traditional approaches to measurement in quantum theory
inevitably end up needing to invoke an ‘observing consciousness’ in order to ‘collapse’
the wave function (or state vector) and bring about a determinate outcome, necessitating
speculative forays into psycho-physical parallelism"

I would like to understand if this means you see psycho-physical parallelism as a problematic concept and if this is so, why you think there is a problem with it.
Thanks.
 
  • #36
I view psycho-physical parallelism as problematic in the context of interpreting physical theory because it is so speculative, and because it does not appear to be based on any sort of physical theory. As Kent has noted, "we don't have a good theory of mind." In Chapter 1 I quote from Kent (2010): "“...the fact that we don't have a good theory of mind, even in classical physics, doesn't give us a free pass to conclude anything we please. That way lies scientific ruin: any physical theory is consistent with any observations if we can bridge any discrepancy by tacking on arbitrary assumptions about the link between mind states and physics.” (A. Kent, 2010, from Many Worlds? Everett, Quantum Theory, and Reality , p.21)
 

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