Watching a wavefunction gradually collapse

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter marcus
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Collapse Wavefunction
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a recent experimental study observing the gradual collapse of a wavefunction, as detailed in the paper available at http://arxiv.org/abs/0707.3880. The discussion highlights the significance of Fock states in the experiment, while also noting the limitations in explaining EPR-type effects. Participants express admiration for the experimental work and illustrations but acknowledge difficulties in understanding the experimental setup and results processing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of wavefunction collapse
  • Fock states and their implications
  • Familiarity with EPR paradox and related concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of wavefunction collapse in quantum mechanics
  • Study the role of Fock states in quantum experiments
  • Explore EPR paradox and its significance in quantum theory
  • Investigate experimental setups used in quantum mechanics research
USEFUL FOR

Quantum physicists, researchers in experimental physics, and students studying advanced quantum mechanics concepts will benefit from this discussion.

marcus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
Messages
24,752
Reaction score
795
some very beautiful experimental work, observing the progressive collapse of a a wavefunction.

beautiful illustrations too

I didn't see this discussed here so decided to start a thread on it

http://arxiv.org/abs/0707.3880
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It cannot explain a kind of collapse needed, e.g., for EPR type effects.
 
I notice that they're very keen on their Fock states... even though it's a local experiment, so the states can't be *real* Fock states (ala Rovelli's "Global particles, local particles"). Still, it's fascinating! Unfortunately, I can't make heads or tails of their experimental setup, nor of the results-processing that they do.

Must try harder, I guess.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Wavefunction Collapse: Ideas & Scenario Analysis
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Graduate Watching a wavefunction gradually collapse
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Does the wave function spread more quickly after it is observed?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
High School The Virtue of Individual Perception RE: Wavefunction Collapse
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad "Observer Effect" referring to two different things?
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
7K
Graduate Wave Function Collapse and Thermodynamic Irreversible Processes
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Dyson's View Of Wavefunction Collapse
  • · Replies 90 ·
4
Replies
90
Views
6K
Graduate When does the wavefunction collapse?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Graduate How does the wavefunction "know" the observables?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Undergrad Why are there so few experiments in the foundation of physics? Or am I wrong?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K