Can People Collapse Wave Functions with their Eyes?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of wave function collapse and its causes, including the role of consciousness and observation in the process. The speaker also mentions the importance of defining the term "collapse" in order to have a responsible discussion. They also suggest that there may be different meanings of "collapse" and that it is important to distinguish between them.
  • #1
Thenewdeal38
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This can't be true!

This guy is talking about collapsing a wave function by just looking at it with your naked eye. This can't be true. When he refers to big eye, small blurry eye he's making a metaphor right? The person and the eye are the measuring device correct? I am going crazy this can't be true. People can't just look at double slit experiments and make them collapse!

 
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  • #2


Don't get crazy. Easy... As I already explained you in another thread: as long as you don't define precisely what do you mean (in terms of observables) by 'collapse', you can't talk about it responsibly. No such definition of 'collapse' is commonly accepted, so all such discussions always sink in metaphores and misunderstandings.

For me 'collapse' (for those rare situations I use this word) is caused not by a naked eye, but by hand equipped with a pencil.
 
  • #3


Did you watch the video? I am talking about getting two bands of light instead of several. I am schizophrenic and this guy is telling me that my "counciess" knowledge of what slit the electron went throught after observing it with my naked eye causes the wave function collapse! I thought it was the electron/ photon interaction that causes the collapse not the "knowledege" of which slit the electron went through, its just a convinient coincidence that any electron/photon interaction that provides measurable date collapses the wave function not the "knowledege" of which slit the electron went through.
 
  • #4


Thenewdeal38 said:
Did you watch the video?
Frankly: I got bored after first 2 mins...

All the answers (consciousness, eye observation, apparatus measurement, first photon/electron interaction, many more) may be correct for their respective meanings of 'collapse'. If you use 'collapse' to a measure of your knowledge about the process - I won't be worried by statements that 'collapse' is caused by naked eye observation, reading of experiment report made by someone else, receiving a phone call, etc.

As long, as you don't associate any metaphysical meaning to the 'collapse' - there is nothing weird in it.

If you are worried by 'collapse' caused by naked eye, phone conversation or planet positions at the moment of experimenter's birth, answer yourself basic question: "how may you distinguish between particles ruled by collapsed wavefunction and a noncollapsed one?"

EDIT>>
I see you may got confused by mixing two meanings of 'collapse':
1. operation on the wavefunction, replacing it with eigenstate, as an effect of our knowledge of measurement outcome;
2. 'real' physical interaction (like photon scattering on the electron) - which changes the process, and which leads to change of its further behaviour, which may be described by replacing the wavefunction with its eigenstate.
 
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FAQ: Can People Collapse Wave Functions with their Eyes?

Can people really collapse wave functions with their eyes?

There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that humans have the ability to collapse wave functions with their eyes. This phenomenon is only observed at the quantum level and requires highly specialized equipment and processes.

What is a wave function and how does it relate to quantum mechanics?

A wave function is a mathematical representation of the state of a quantum system. It describes the probability of finding a particle in a particular state or location. It is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and is used to make predictions about the behavior of particles at the subatomic level.

Is collapsing wave functions with the eyes related to the concept of manifestation or the law of attraction?

No, collapsing wave functions with the eyes is a purely scientific concept that is based on quantum mechanics and does not have any relation to manifestation or the law of attraction. These concepts are often associated with metaphysics and have not been scientifically proven.

Are there any studies or experiments that have successfully collapsed wave functions with the eyes?

No, there are no studies or experiments that have been able to demonstrate the ability to collapse wave functions with the eyes. This is because it is a highly complex and specialized process that requires advanced technology and techniques.

Can meditation or other mindfulness practices help in collapsing wave functions with the eyes?

There is no evidence to suggest that meditation or mindfulness practices have any impact on collapsing wave functions with the eyes. These practices may have other benefits for overall well-being, but they do not have any known effect on quantum mechanics processes.

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