Is the Elitzur-Vaidman bomb problem based on incorrect assumptions?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter SamsonDelilah
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Bomb
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The Elitzur-Vaidman bomb problem is based on incorrect assumptions regarding photon detection and wave function collapse. The discussion clarifies that the thought experiment does not require a photon detector or bomb trigger, and that the wave function can collapse independently of photon observation. Furthermore, the presence of an interference pattern does not imply that the bomb is defective, contradicting common misconceptions about the experiment's implications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of wave function collapse
  • Familiarity with interference patterns in quantum experiments
  • Knowledge of the Elitzur-Vaidman bomb problem
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of quantum superposition and entanglement
  • Explore the implications of wave function collapse in quantum mechanics
  • Research the Elitzur-Vaidman bomb problem in detail
  • Examine other quantum thought experiments and their interpretations
USEFUL FOR

Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of quantum theory will benefit from this discussion.

SamsonDelilah
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Are the following assumptions about this thought experiment correct?...

If an interference pattern is detected the bomb is defective because there was never any possibility of a photon being observed and collapsing the wave function.

In the case that no interference pattern is detected and the photon arrives at the detector at the end of the interferometer a photonless beam of light must have traveled through a functional photon detector/bomb trigger. This means the bomb is not defective because the photon that wasn't actually on the path to set off the bomb somehow knew that it would be detected there and the wave function collapsed even thought the photon was on the other path.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No, these assumptions are not correct. The thought experiment does not involve a photon detector or bomb trigger, and the wave function can collapse without any photons being observed. Additionally, the fact that an interference pattern is detected does not necessarily mean that the bomb is defective.
 

Similar threads

High School Does the bomb experiment do a measurement?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Elitzur–Vaidman bomb tester in multi-world interpretation
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Undergrad Have You Heard of the SEW Experiment? Thoughts?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Incomprehension of a simple interferometer?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Undergrad A short attenuated laser pulse, LIGO, and a fast detector
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad Is There A Study Showing The Observer Effect Ignoring Conscious Intent?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
High School Can we say a photon doesn't exist until the wavefunction collapses?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Undergrad QED/Quantum Mechanics: Probability or Spatial Function?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Does the Elitzur-Vaidman Bomb Tester Reveal the Path of a Photon?
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
9K
Undergrad Is this a valid quantum Cheshire cat?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K