Double slit experiment, observer effect

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Double Slit Experiment and the observer effect, specifically addressing the concept of the Quantum Eraser. It clarifies that while an observation can influence the behavior of quantum systems, returning the system to its pre-observation state allows it to exhibit wave-like behavior again. The notion of "deleting" observational data is mischaracterized; true erasure must prevent any possibility of learning the original outcome. This highlights the nuanced understanding required in quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of wave-particle duality
  • Familiarity with the concept of the observer effect
  • Knowledge of Quantum Eraser experiments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Quantum Eraser experiments in detail
  • Study the implications of the observer effect in quantum mechanics
  • Explore wave-particle duality and its experimental evidence
  • Investigate the mathematical framework of quantum state collapse
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, quantum mechanics enthusiasts, and researchers exploring the implications of observation in quantum systems will benefit from this discussion.

khkwang
Messages
57
Reaction score
0
It was a good while ago since I heard about this particular experiment, but I remember vaguely reading about how in one instance they recorded the observations, but then deleted the data before anyone could look at it, and in that instance the wave was still produced. Thus showing that it really was the act of observing that caused the wave collapse.

Was this bull? Or can someone direct me to a link?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
khkwang said:
It was a good while ago since I heard about this particular experiment, but I remember vaguely reading about how in one instance they recorded the observations, but then deleted the data before anyone could look at it, and in that instance the wave was still produced. Thus showing that it really was the act of observing that caused the wave collapse.

Was this bull? Or can someone direct me to a link?

I believe what you are referring to is a Quantum Eraser. If so, this is not a good characterization. A more realistic description is as follows:

An observation is made, but the system is returned to the state before the observation was made. In so doing, there is no possibility of learning the outcome of the original observation. In such case, the system can continue to exhibit whatever behavior would have been expected prior to the observation.

The above is real. But you cannot "delete" the information in the sense of data on a disk drive. The process of "erasing" is very specific, and must not leave the possibility of learning the outcome of the original observation.
 
Thanks, that clears up a lot.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Is There A Study Showing The Observer Effect Ignoring Conscious Intent?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Undergrad Single vs. Double slit coherence clarification please
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
Undergrad Which-Path from Global Momentum Measurement in Double Slit
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
485
Undergrad Double Slit Experiment: Measurement versus Observation
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
High School Double-slit experiment and time
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
Undergrad Double slit experiment with observer
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
High School Q - Double slit experiment, delayed slit selection observation
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad The physical components in the electron double slit experiment
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
High School Are Schrodinger's cat and the double slit experiment the same idea?
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
6K
High School What is causing destructive interference in double slit experiment?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K