Is there a resource that discusses wave collapse experiments?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the lack of resources specifically addressing wave function collapse experiments in quantum mechanics (QM). The original poster seeks accessible summaries of experiments without delving into complex mathematics. A key takeaway is that "collapse" is not a physical process but a mathematical adjustment within QM, contingent on the interpretation adopted. The conversation suggests that inquiries about the nature of collapse belong in a dedicated interpretations subforum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with wave function concepts
  • Knowledge of different interpretations of quantum mechanics
  • Basic grasp of measurement theory in QM
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "quantum mechanics interpretations" for various perspectives on wave function collapse
  • Explore "quantum measurement theory" to understand the implications of measurement on wave functions
  • Investigate "quantum decoherence" as a related concept to wave function behavior
  • Read "The Quantum World: Quantum Mechanics for Everyone" for a non-mathematical overview of quantum experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, educators seeking simplified explanations, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of wave function collapse in quantum theory.

HomesliceMMA
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I would love to read about the different experiments that deal with the collapse of the wave functions and related items. Maybe summaries, I definitely don't want to get into math or anything. Just what causes it to collapse, what doesn't, can it partially collapse, can it collapse in these circumstances, can it de-collapse, etc. etc., whatever might be out there.

Is there any website that does this? Or barring this, can anyone recommend a good book? I've read a TON of popular books related to the subject matter, almost everyone goes through the long history of everything, who figured out what, but never really gets down into the nitty gritty of things - would love one that just focused on what experiments have been done and what they show.

Thanks for any suggestions!
 
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HomesliceMMA said:
I would love to read about the different experiments that deal with the collapse of the wave functions and related items.
There aren't any. In QM itself, short of adopting a particular interpretation, "collapse" is not a physical process: it's a mathematical adjustment you make in your model when you know what the result of a measurement is.

Beyond that, the question of whether "collapse" is a physical process or not is an open one, and different interpretations of QM take different positions on it. Discussion of that belongs in the interpretations subforum, not this one.
 
The general topic of the OP is best addressed in a separate thread in the interpretations subforum, and should be focused on a more specific question than just "collapse".

This thread is closed.
 
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