The discussion revolves around the double slit experiment, specifically focusing on the concepts of measurement and observation in quantum mechanics. Participants explore whether it is possible to monitor which slit a particle goes through while ensuring that the data is destroyed before any human can observe it, examining implications for interference patterns.
Participants express differing views on the implications of measurement and observation in quantum mechanics, with no consensus reached regarding the specifics of the double slit experiment and the role of data destruction.
Participants discuss the definitions of measurement and observation, as well as the conditions under which interference patterns appear or disappear, highlighting the complexity and nuances in interpreting quantum phenomena.
It may have happened by accident!Praxiteles said:TL;DR Summary: Measurement versus Observation
I'm curious if the double slit experiment has ever been done where the equipment is in place and enable to monitor which slit the particle goes through, but the data is destroyed before anyone ever sees it.
Depending on your exact definition of "data is destroyed before anyone ever sees it": The answer is yes. If the which slit information is present in the system, but without there being any detection mechanism whatsoever, then you see no interference pattern. The mere possibility of obtaining that information is enough to eliminate that. In the following experiment, which-path markers are placed on photons on the way to a screen. See figure 9, no DS interference. They then "erase" the marker, which then restores the interference pattern. See figure 10.Praxiteles said:TL;DR Summary: Measurement versus Observation
I'm curious if the double slit experiment has ever been done where the equipment is in place and enable to monitor which slit the particle goes through, but the data is destroyed before anyone ever sees it.