I Measurement OF a Beamsplitter - Destroys Quantum Interference?

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The discussion centers on the impact of measuring the momentum of a beamsplitter on quantum interference patterns. It is suggested that a precise measurement could collapse the superposition state of the beamsplitter, potentially destroying the interference pattern created by photons. However, participants argue that typical measurements do not affect interference, as photons do not impart significant momentum to the beamsplitter during interaction. The conversation also highlights the challenges of measuring macroscopic objects like beamsplitters in a way that could influence quantum states. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards the idea that quantum effects are robust against such measurements, maintaining interference patterns under normal 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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