Wave Function Collapse using faulty recording devices.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the effectiveness of measuring devices in the context of the Double Slit Experiment and the Wave Function Collapse. It establishes that if a measuring device has a less than 100% detection rate, such as a 50% chance of being operational, the collapse does not occur when the device is off. Additionally, it highlights that undetected particles can still create a double-slit interference pattern, while detected particles form separate single-slit patterns, resulting in a combined total pattern.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Double Slit Experiment
  • Knowledge of Wave Function Collapse
  • Familiarity with quantum measurement theory
  • Basic concepts of particle detection and interference patterns
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of measurement in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the role of observer effect in quantum physics
  • Learn about quantum superposition and its relation to interference patterns
  • Investigate different types of measuring devices used in quantum experiments
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and anyone interested in the principles of wave-particle duality and measurement in quantum theory.

Lexovix
Messages
4
Reaction score
1
TL;DR
Effectiveness of faulty observational devices during the Double Slit Experiment and the Wave Function Collapse.
Hey there!
I have two questions regarding the Double Slit Experiment and the Wave Function Collapse.

How effective does a measuring device have to be to cause a collapse? As in, say that every second the device has a 50% chance to turn off or on for one second, does the collapse still occur when the device has shutoff?
Similarly, suppose an observer has been awake for a few days and perhaps even on a drug trip that is rendering them in and out of consciousness, is there a threshold in which the observation does not occur?

Thank you for your time!
<3 Phillip.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Lexovix said:
does the collapse still occur when the device has shutoff?
No.
 
Lexovix said:
Summary:: Effectiveness of faulty observational devices during the Double Slit Experiment and the Wave Function Collapse.

Hey there!
I have two questions regarding the Double Slit Experiment and the Wave Function Collapse.

How effective does a measuring device have to be to cause a collapse? As in, say that every second the device has a 50% chance to turn off or on for one second, does the collapse still occur when the device has shutoff?
Similarly, suppose an observer has been awake for a few days and perhaps even on a drug trip that is rendering them in and out of consciousness, is there a threshold in which the observation does not occur?

Thank you for your time!
<3 Phillip.
It's not just faulty measuring devices, a device to detect a particle may simply not be 100% effective. E.g. if only 50% of particles were detected (at one slit or the other) and 50% went undetected, then these 50% undetected particles, between them, would form a double-slit interference pattern; and, the detected particles would form two separate single-slit patterns (assuming the detection did not significantly influence this). The total pattern, therefore, would be this combination of patterns.
 
PeroK said:
It's not just faulty measuring devices, a device to detect a particle may simply not be 100% effective. E.g. if only 50% of particles were detected (at one slit or the other) and 50% went undetected, then these 50% undetected particles, between them, would form a double-slit interference pattern; and, the detected particles would form two separate single-slit patterns (assuming the detection did not significantly influence this). The total pattern, therefore, would be this combination of patterns.
Oh wow, fascinating! <3
 
Demystifier said:
No.
Interesting! Thank you for the reply! ^_^ <3
 
Lexovix said:
Interesting! Thank you for the reply! ^_^ <3
What does <3 mean? Is it some emoticon?
 
Demystifier said:
What does <3 mean? Is it some emoticon?
Often links to a default love heart emoticon. ^_^
 
  • Love
Likes   Reactions: Demystifier
Lexovix said:
Often links to a default love heart emoticon. ^_^
Silly me, it didn't occur to me that I have to rotate by 90 degrees. :heart:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: weirdoguy

Similar threads

High School The wave function of the electron doesn't collapse when passing through air?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad How non-conscious can an Observer be and cause wave function collapse?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
8K
High School Why does anyone think gravity might collapse wave function?
  • · Replies 59 ·
2
Replies
59
Views
7K
Undergrad Is There A Study Showing The Observer Effect Ignoring Conscious Intent?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
High School Can someone please explain to me the motion of an electron?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School How is energy transferred from a wave to a photon?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
High School Why doesn't the electron "wave" collapse at the double-slit?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
7K
High School Is there a resource that discusses wave collapse experiments?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Wave function collapse in a double slit experiment
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School When the wave function collapses, how long is it collasped?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K