Re-evolution of wavefunction after collapse

In summary, the wavefunction starts re-evolving instantaneously after its observation is over according to the Feynman path formulation. It ends at the edge of the light cone and fills the space within it. The collapse of a wavefunction means its annihilation, but it is not resurrected after observation and instead evolves as a different system. The position wavefunction changes to a Dirac-delta function after observation but once removed, the unitary evolution continues. The reduction of the wavefunction is a non-unitary part of its evolution.
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How much time does it take for wavefunction to start re-evolution after its observation is over? Or how does it evolve?
I think, considering feynman path formulation, it should start evolving instantaneously, with wavefunction ending at edge of light cone (light cone that has its tip at the point of collapse). Its like wavefunction fills this light cone.
 
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  • #2
01030312 said:
How much time does it take for wavefunction to start re-evolution after its observation is over? Or how does it evolve?
I think, considering feynman path formulation, it should start evolving instantaneously, with wavefunction ending at edge of light cone (light cone that has its tip at the point of collapse). Its like wavefunction fills this light cone.

The collapse of a wavefunction means its annihilation. It's not 'resurrected' after an observation; what evolves is the wavefunction of a different system.
 
  • #3
Consider a position wave-function. After observation, i think, it does not annihilate, but changes to a dirac-delta function. Once observation has been removed, the unitary evolution takes place again. The phenomena of reduction itself was a part of evolution, though non-unitary.
 

1. What is the wavefunction collapse in quantum mechanics?

The wavefunction collapse, also known as the collapse of the quantum state, is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where a superposition of multiple possible states of a system is reduced to a single definite state upon measurement or observation.

2. Can the wavefunction be re-evolved after a collapse?

Yes, according to the principles of quantum mechanics, the wavefunction can be re-evolved after a collapse. The collapse is a temporary phenomenon that occurs during measurement or observation, and the wavefunction can be re-evolved using the Schrödinger equation.

3. Why is the re-evolution of the wavefunction after collapse important?

The re-evolution of the wavefunction after collapse is important because it allows us to study the behavior of quantum systems over time. It also helps us understand the relationship between the collapsed state and the superposition of states before the collapse.

4. How does the re-evolution of the wavefunction after collapse affect our understanding of reality?

The re-evolution of the wavefunction after collapse challenges our classical understanding of reality, where objects are assumed to have definite properties at all times. It suggests that the properties of particles are not fixed and can only be described probabilistically.

5. Are there any practical applications of studying the re-evolution of the wavefunction after collapse?

Yes, understanding the re-evolution of the wavefunction after collapse has practical applications in fields such as quantum computing and cryptography. It also has implications in the development of new technologies, such as quantum sensors and quantum communication systems.

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