Do wave-functions pass through transparent obstacles?

[San K]

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.

 

[DrChinese]

A wave plate is a good example. It rotates the orientation of the wave that passes through it but does not cause collapse.

 

[San K]

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

 

[kurtlesker]

http://departments.colgate.edu/physics/research/Photon/root/ajpbs02.pdf
this paper might help you...it doesn't talk about half silvered mirror, but talks about beam splitters...