The discussion centers on the double slit experiment and the distinction between measurement and observation in quantum mechanics. It confirms that if which-path information is available, even without human observation, the interference pattern disappears. The presence of which-path markers on photons leads to the absence of interference, while erasing these markers restores the pattern. This illustrates that in quantum theory, observation refers to any interaction that yields information, not necessarily human awareness.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of measurement and observation in quantum theory.
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.