The Elizur-Vaidman experiment is a thought experiment proposed in 1993 by Avshalom C. Elizur and Lev Vaidman to test the principles of quantum mechanics.
The experiment involves a beam splitter, a detector, and a partially reflective mirror. A single photon is sent towards the beam splitter, which has a 50% chance of either passing through or being reflected. The detector is placed behind the beam splitter to measure the photon's path. However, the partially reflective mirror allows the photon to be in two states at once, creating interference patterns and demonstrating the principles of quantum mechanics.
The Elizur-Vaidman experiment can be interpreted as evidence for the Many-Worlds Interpretation. In this interpretation, the photon exists in multiple states simultaneously, and when it reaches the detector, it splits into different universes, each representing a different outcome of the experiment.
The Elizur-Vaidman experiment challenges our understanding of the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, such as the superposition of states and the role of observation in determining outcomes. It also highlights the potential for parallel universes and multiple realities.
No, the Elizur-Vaidman experiment has not been conducted in a physical setting due to technical challenges. However, it has been simulated using quantum computers, providing evidence for the principles of quantum mechanics and the Many-Worlds Interpretation.