Do wave-functions pass through transparent obstacles?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter San K
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Transparent
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of wave-functions in the presence of various types of obstacles, specifically focusing on whether they can pass through transparent obstacles without collapsing. Participants explore theoretical implications and experimental contexts, including the effects of different materials on wave-functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the wave-function as a mathematical construct that collapses upon detection, raising questions about its interaction with non-detecting obstacles.
  • Another participant suggests that a wave plate can alter the orientation of a wave without causing collapse, indicating that some obstacles may interact with wave-functions in non-destructive ways.
  • A participant questions whether the amplitude of a single photon is halved when it passes through a half-silvered mirror, particularly in the context of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
  • A link to a research paper is provided, which discusses beam splitters but does not specifically address half-silvered mirrors, suggesting a potential resource for further exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of wave-function interactions with obstacles, with no consensus reached on the effects of specific materials or configurations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of wave-functions and their interactions with materials, which may not be fully resolved. The implications of using non-detecting obstacles remain unclear.

San K
Messages
905
Reaction score
1
wave-function is a hypothetical/mathematical construct

the wave-function is said to collapse when we try to detect it, say in a double slit or mach-zehnder.

what kind of obstacles (but non-detectors) do wave-functions pass through?

what happens if we place a razor thin obstacle (that is not a detector) in one of the paths of the photon

1. a razor thin opaque sheet of paper
2. a razor thin transparent sheet of cellophane
3. air particles - we know that air particles don't effect the wave function as the double-slit and mach-zhender experiments are not necessarily conducted in a vacuum.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
A wave plate is a good example. It rotates the orientation of the wave that passes through it but does not cause collapse.
 
DrChinese said:
A wave plate is a good example. It rotates the orientation of the wave that passes through it but does not cause collapse.

correct...thanks

does the amplitude of a single photon halve when it goes/emerges through a half silvered mirror? (say in a mach zehnder) on anyone of the two paths/arms
 

Similar threads

High School The wave function of the electron doesn't collapse when passing through air?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Is There A Study Showing The Observer Effect Ignoring Conscious Intent?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Undergrad "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
9K
Undergrad How to collapse a water wave through a double slit into particle behaviour?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Undergrad Question about the Which Way experiment & the detectors used
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
High School Can someone please explain to me the motion of an electron?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Undergrad How Do We Model Wave Function Collapse After Measuring Particle Location?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School Does the bomb experiment do a measurement?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate Double slit superposition vs Entanglement superposition
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
High School Double Slit Paradox: A Wave-Particle Mystery
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K