Quantum eraser in Bohmian Mechanics and many worlds theory

In summary, the literature on the quantum eraser is based on the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, which easily explains the experiment. Other interpretations, such as the de Broglie-Bohm theory and the Everettian many worlds interpretation, do not have any issues with the experiment. In these interpretations, the erasure simply involves choosing different partial ensembles using the Bell correlations of entangled states. For more information, a recommended paper is "Quantum Information in a Quantum Theory Without Classical Time: A Model for Timelessness" by Ken Wharton.
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boxfullofvacuumtubes
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All the literature on the quantum eraser that I've seen is grounded in the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. It's very easy to understand the experiment in those terms.

Do you know how quantum eraser experiments are interpreted by the de Broglie–Bohm theory? What is erased in this case? Is the whichway information simply attached to the pilot wave instead of the particle?

And what about the Everettian many worlds interpretation? Does erasure of whichway information somehow undo the previous splitting of the universe?

Could you recommend any papers to learn more?
 
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Quantum erasure amounts to undoing a wave function collapse due to measurement. In interpretations that don't have collapse, there is nothing to undo. So Bohmian and Many-Worlds interpretations don't have any problems with these experiments, as far as I can see.
 
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You don't undo anything. You just choose different partial ensembles using the fixed measurement protocol, using the Bell correlations of entangled states. Of course, Bohm nor many worlds have problems with this since both are interpretations of QT equivalent to the minimal interpretation (for non-relativistic QT, where an unambiguous Bohmian interpretation exists).
 
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  • #4
boxfullofvacuumtubes said:
All the literature on the quantum eraser that I've seen is grounded in the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. It's very easy to understand the experiment in those terms.

Do you know how quantum eraser experiments are interpreted by the de Broglie–Bohm theory? What is erased in this case? Is the whichway information simply attached to the pilot wave instead of the particle?

And what about the Everettian many worlds interpretation? Does erasure of whichway information somehow undo the previous splitting of the universe?

Could you recommend any papers to learn more?
See https://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/1703.08341 Sec. 5.1.
 
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1. What is the Quantum Eraser experiment in Bohmian Mechanics and Many Worlds Theory?

The Quantum Eraser experiment is a thought experiment that aims to understand the behavior of quantum particles, specifically the concept of wave-particle duality. In Bohmian Mechanics, the experiment involves measuring the position and momentum of a quantum particle simultaneously. In Many Worlds Theory, the experiment involves splitting the universe into multiple parallel universes based on the different possible outcomes of a measurement.

2. How does the Quantum Eraser experiment challenge traditional views on quantum mechanics?

The Quantum Eraser experiment challenges the traditional views on quantum mechanics because it suggests that particles can behave as both waves and particles at the same time. This is in contrast to the traditional view that a particle has a defined position and momentum at any given time. It also challenges the idea of a single, objective reality, as both Bohmian Mechanics and Many Worlds Theory propose the existence of multiple parallel universes.

3. What are the implications of the Quantum Eraser experiment in understanding the nature of reality?

The implications of the Quantum Eraser experiment are significant in understanding the nature of reality. It suggests that reality may not be as definite as we once thought and that there may be multiple parallel universes coexisting with our own. It also challenges the idea of causality, as the experiment shows that the outcome of a measurement can change the past behavior of a particle.

4. How does Bohmian Mechanics and Many Worlds Theory differ in their interpretation of the Quantum Eraser experiment?

In Bohmian Mechanics, the Quantum Eraser experiment is seen as a confirmation of the theory, as it suggests that particles have a definite position and momentum at all times and that the wave-like behavior is a result of our lack of knowledge. In Many Worlds Theory, the experiment is seen as evidence for the existence of multiple parallel universes, as the different measurement outcomes create separate branches of reality.

5. Are there any real-world applications of the concepts presented in the Quantum Eraser experiment?

The concepts presented in the Quantum Eraser experiment have not yet been applied in practical applications. However, the experiment has helped scientists gain a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics and has opened up new possibilities for technology, such as quantum computing. It also has implications in fields such as philosophy and cosmology, as it challenges our understanding of reality and the nature of the universe.

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