Interpretation of photon interference

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the interpretation of photon interference, particularly in relation to the Pfleegor-Mandel experiment, which explores the interference of independent photon beams. Participants examine various interpretations of quantum mechanics (QM) and their applicability to this experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes an interpretation where the wavefunction describes the photon source, suggesting that the photon beam serves as a transport mechanism for this wavefunction to the receiver, with interference resulting from the receiver's adjustment to the incoming photons.
  • Another participant questions the clarity of this interpretation and suggests that standard interpretations of QM, such as the Copenhagen or Statistical Interpretation, could also apply, as long as they conform to the QM formalism.
  • A further comment notes that standard QM allows for different representations, specifically mentioning the Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures, and inquires about interpretations that might align with the Heisenberg picture in the context of photon interference.
  • One participant asserts that new interpretations are not developed within this discussion thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of photon interference, with no consensus reached on which interpretation fits the experiment best. Some participants advocate for established interpretations of QM, while others propose alternative views.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and acceptance of different interpretations of quantum mechanics, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the proposed interpretations and their compatibility with established theories.

zonde
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I would like to hear comments about interpretation of photon interference in context with Pfleegor-Mandel experiment "Interference of Independent Photon Beams". There is a blog post about this experiment: http://scienceblogs.com/principles/2010/11/19/interference-of-independent-ph/. Original article is behind paywall but I googled and found a free version.

I am using certain interpretation of photon interference and find it quite consistent with this experiment. My interpretation is that wavefunction actually describes photon source (photon source is undergoing evolution in time) but photon beam is just a passive transport of wavefunction to receiver. So evolution of source is continuous but transport of this evolution function is discrete (evolution function is encoded in photon ensemble consisting of discrete entries - photons). Receiver adjusts it's function of evolution as it receives photon beam by different responses to particular photon (absorption, reflection, transmission). Now interference effect is continuous adjustment of receiver’s evolution when two beams overlap in an "inconsistent" way.

Is such an interpretation of photon interference in conflict with QM? Is there an interpretation that fits this experiment better?
 
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zonde said:
Is there an interpretation that fits this experiment better?

I can't say I understand your interpretation but what about bog standard QM with a minimalist interpretation such as Copenhagen, the Statistical Interpretation, Consistent History's - indeed any interpretation really. If it conforms to the QM formalism, as it must, then any interpretation is valid.

Thanks
Bill
 
bhobba said:
I can't say I understand your interpretation but what about bog standard QM with a minimalist interpretation such as Copenhagen, the Statistical Interpretation, Consistent History's - indeed any interpretation really. If it conforms to the QM formalism, as it must, then any interpretation is valid.
Standard QM still admits two ways how to represent the formalism - Schrödinger picture and Heisenberg picture.
Is there some interpretation that implements Heisenberg picture for photon interference?
 
We don't develop new interpretations here.
 

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