How important is light in the Observer Effect?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the significance of light in the Observer Effect observed in the Double-slit experiment. It is established that light serves as a crucial measuring tool, transitioning the interference pattern to a clump pattern when photons or electrons are detected. The conversation highlights misconceptions regarding the interaction of light with particles, clarifying that light does not hit photons but rather interacts with electrons. The role of human consciousness in wave collapse is dismissed as pseudoscience, emphasizing the importance of electromagnetic interactions in quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Double-slit experiment
  • Knowledge of quantum electrodynamics
  • Familiarity with the concept of wave-particle duality
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "polarization and the double slit experiment"
  • Read the paper at arXiv:0703.0703126
  • Explore the implications of light as a measuring tool in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate alternative interpretations of the Observer Effect beyond human consciousness
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of light and its role in quantum phenomena.

Dennis Z
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How much importance does light (electromagnetism) have to do with the "Observer Effect" in the Double-slit experiment?
From my research, it seems that the only successful "Observer Effects" in the Double-slit experiments, wherein, the interference pattern transitions to a clump pattern, is achieved using light as the means of measuring in the detector. When I say clump pattern, I am not talking about a single-slit diffraction pattern. I am referring to where photons or electrons would appear in only 2 patterns aligned with the 2-slits, much like what you would expect if you were shooting bullets through a barrier with only slits and would get a pattern of bullets hitting the end wall in two clumps... some going through one slit and some going through the other slit.
Although I can't find a video actually showing the observer effect collapsing waves to a clump pattern, there are many claims that it occurs. If you know of any videos, I would greatly appreciate it. (Please don't tell me to look on Youtube, I don't want an animated video, or Brian Greene explaining it...I'd like to see visual evidence if it is out there)
Is my research correct, or are there other measuring sources used other than light?
It seems that light hitting a photon or electron passing through a slit would cause them to alter their course with the end result being neither an interference pattern, nor a clump pattern, but a scattered array.
Why is it that light used as the detector allows the measured photons or electrons to not only transition from an interference pattern, but maintain a consistent clump pattern?
Light is extremely fascinating with how it interacts with electrons with quantum electrodynamics. Electromagnetism keeps electrons in their orbits, and helps hold molecules together. I just wonder if light is much more important in the process of collapsing waves to particles than anyone discusses. All I hear is "human consciousness" is the cause for wave collapse.
Thanks for your feedback.
 
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I can't answer all your questions but here is some information:

Dennis Z said:
It seems that light hitting a photon or electron passing through a slit would cause them to alter their course with the end result being neither an interference pattern, nor a clump pattern, but a scattered array.
Light can't hit a photon since light doesn't travel as photons; they are the result of an EM wave interacting with other particles such as electrons.

All I hear is "human consciousness" is the cause for wave collapse.
Which of course is pure pop-sci nonsense.

EDIT: also, you would likely find it interesting to Google "polarization and the double slit experiment" or just do a forum search for that.
 

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