Exploring the Observer Effect in the Double-Slit Experiment

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observer effect in the double-slit experiment, particularly its implications for quantum mechanics and string theory. Participants explore whether the observer effect has been experimentally validated and how it relates to different interpretations of quantum mechanics, including the Copenhagen interpretation and string theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Dr. Todd questions whether the observer effect, which leads to the collapse of the wave function in the double-slit experiment, has been experimentally tested and requests citations from peer-reviewed journals.
  • Rossella asks if string theory contradicts or supports the observer effect and whether observation plays a significant role in the properties of strings.
  • A participant notes that quantum string theory will likely remain within the framework of standard quantum mechanics and will not alter the predictions related to the observer effect.
  • Another participant emphasizes that "observation" in quantum mechanics refers to physical interaction with the system, clarifying that the wave function collapse is a mathematical abstraction rather than a physical event.
  • This participant also points out that the phrase "behaves like a particle" is misleading, as single-slit interference effects can still occur, and the interference pattern emerges only after many particles are detected.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the implications of the observer effect and its relationship with string theory. There is no consensus on whether the observer effect has been definitively tested or how it relates to string theory.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the experimental validation of the observer effect and the interpretations of quantum mechanics. There are also assumptions about the definitions of observation and wave function collapse that remain unresolved.

Rossella22
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Dr.Todd said:
I keep seeing references to the observer effect in the double -slit experiment where the a
of observing the photon or electron going through the slits causes a collapse of the wave function. so, instead of getting a cool interference pattern, you get the pattern expected if the light was acting as a particle.

Has this actually been tested experimentally?

If so, I have not been able to find it anywhere.

If anyone can post a citation from a peer-reviewed physics journal where this phenomenon is reported, I would appreciate it.

thanks,

Dr. Todd
Hello, I am new in this forum and I am not a scientist
Can someone help me to understand the following question: does this String theory confute and negate the Observer Effect and that there is a subjective reality? Or it confirms it
Thank you so much
Rossella
 
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Can Any One Answer My Question?

Dear Scientists
Is there anyone who can answer to the following?
Are you familiar with String theory?
Does this theory negate or contradict the previous quantum mechanic theory of observation? (Copenhagen Interpretation and Observer's effect) , does observation still have a big roll in giving properties to Strings?
Thank you so much
Rossella



Dr.Todd said:
I keep seeing references to the observer effect in the double -slit experiment where the a
of observing the photon or electron going through the slits causes a collapse of the wave function. so, instead of getting a cool interference pattern, you get the pattern expected if the light was acting as a particle.

Has this actually been tested experimentally?

If so, I have not been able to find it anywhere.

If anyone can post a citation from a peer-reviewed physics journal where this phenomenon is reported, I would appreciate it.

thanks,

Dr. Todd
 
These posts have been moved from a thread in the QM forum to this forum, where I think it might get more attention from people who have the expertise to answer it.

Zz.
 
Presumably quantum string theory (when it ever becomes a physical theory) will still lie within the broader domain of standard quantum mechanics and as such will not change the prediction of which you speak.

I would also make some qualifications in how you describe this effect.
Let me emphasize that when we speak of "observation" in QM we necessarily mean physically interacting with the system. Most confusion about QM predictions arise when one makes assumptions about what is beyond what is physically observed.

When the wave function collapses we must understand the wave function as a mathematical object similar to a classical probability distribution. It's collapse is no different in principle from the collapse of the expectation values of lottery tickets once the drawing occurs. The assertion that new knowledge of a specific type is obtained about the system changes the distribution of possible subsequent behavior. Nothing physically "collapses".

Also "behaves like a particle" isn't quite right as you may still see single slit interference effects. Remember also that you never see the interference pattern of one particle. The pattern emerges when you repeat the experiment for many particles with the same setup. In all cases the particle "behaves like a particle" in the sense that you put one in and you get one out and it lands at a certain point on your film or whatever you use to detect it.
 

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