Uncertainty principle with/out detectors

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the uncertainty principle's role in the double-slit experiment with electrons, specifically how the presence of detectors affects interference patterns. It is established that while slits reduce position uncertainty, detectors do not yield the same effect due to wave function collapse. The conversation references Richard Feynman's explanations in Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) and suggests further exploration of squeezed coherent states as a potential avenue for understanding the uncertainty principle in the context of detection.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the double-slit experiment
  • Familiarity with the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of wave function collapse
  • Basic concepts of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Richard Feynman's "QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter"
  • Research the concept of squeezed coherent states in quantum optics
  • Explore the implications of wave function collapse on quantum measurements
  • Investigate the relationship between position and momentum uncertainties in quantum mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, physicists interested in foundational theories, and anyone exploring the implications of the uncertainty principle in experimental physics.

hollowsolid
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I think I undetstand the role of the uncertainty principle in explaining the existence of interference patterns in the double slit expt with electrons i.e. the slits reduce the uncertainty in position and consuequently there is a greater uncertainty in momentum which results in interference patterns.

However when path information thru the slits is provided by detectors, why isn't this an equally effective means of constraining the position uncertainty and thereby increasing the momentum uncertainty leading to interference patterns?

Most explanations seem to use the UP in the absence of detection and wave function collapse in the case of detection.

Why?
 
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Similar topic was opened by me.
Double slit experiment is one special case of Feynman explanation of QED (QED: the strange theory of light and matter.) Feynman clearly explain the basis of QED here. But I have not found explanation for uncertainty principle. Maybe your explanation is a way to it?! And, maybe the Feynman book is also answer to your question?!
 
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