Measurement OF a Beamsplitter - Destroys Quantum Interference?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impact of measuring the momentum of a beamsplitter on quantum interference patterns. Participants assert that measuring the beamsplitter's momentum, even with high precision, does not collapse the superposition of photons traveling through it, thus preserving the interference pattern. The consensus is that photons do not impart significant momentum to the beamsplitter during interaction, and quantum effects remain intact despite external influences such as noise. The conversation highlights the complexities of quantum measurement and the conservation of momentum in quantum systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly superposition and entanglement.
  • Familiarity with beamsplitters and their role in quantum optics.
  • Knowledge of momentum conservation in quantum interactions.
  • Awareness of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of beamsplitters in Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZI).
  • Explore the implications of quantum measurement and superposition collapse.
  • Study the effects of external noise on quantum systems and interference patterns.
  • Investigate advanced quantum optics experiments involving macroscopic objects.
USEFUL FOR

Quantum physicists, optical engineers, and researchers interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics and the behavior of quantum systems under measurement conditions.

  • #61
PeroK said:
Wouldn't you also need to know the initial momentum of the photon? Measuring the recoil on the disc would give you (at best) the change in momentum of the photon.

In any case, I found this paper (which looks quite interesting) and has a discussion of this with reference to the Bohr-Einstein debates.

http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/701/1/012007/pdf

That paper looks amazing! Thank you very much!

I mean bouncing electrons off of tiny things like nanofabricated double slits and oil droplets etc... that's just the sandbox I'm interested in.
 
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  • #62
PeterDonis said:
This is all speculative and has no prospect of being tested experimentally any time soon.

That's too bad. This "measurement collapse" issue and quantum gravity are two things that need to be to solved.Thanks Peter for your insights, you've helped resolve much of the confusion here,
hopefully nothing is left unresolved on this thread which could potentially mislead any unwary bystander.

Cheers!
 

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