Is There an Operator for the Existence of an Object in Quantum Mechanics?

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In summary, before a measurement, we have no information about the object and its existence. However, we attempt to measure something of the object. It is unclear if there is an operator for the existence of the object, and it is also uncertain if all operators commute with this. This idea is challenged in some quantum optics experiments, where a signal is received upon detection of the object being measured. It is difficult to come up with an example where we do not have prior knowledge of the existence of the object we are measuring.
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Before a measurement we don't have any information about a object. So we don't know about a existence of the object. But we are trying to measure something of the object. Is there operator of existence of a object? All operators commute with this?
 
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rar0308 said:
Before a measurement we don't have any information about a object. So we don't know about a existence of the object. But we are trying to measure something of the object. Is there operator of existence of a object? All operators commute with this?

I wouldn't say I agree with the bolded part. For example in some quantum optics experiments, we get a signal when the thing we want to perform measurements on (photons) is detected, I am talking about http://arxiv.org/ftp/quant-ph/papers/0611/0611112.pdf" . Actually I can't think of an example where we don't know about the existence of the object we want to measure on. Maybe someone more experienced can contribute here.
 
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FAQ: Is There an Operator for the Existence of an Object in Quantum Mechanics?

What is quantum mechanics?

Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior of particles on a microscopic scale. It explains how particles and systems behave and interact with each other at the subatomic level.

What are the basic concepts of quantum mechanics?

The basic concepts of quantum mechanics include wave-particle duality, superposition, uncertainty principle, and quantum entanglement. These concepts help to understand the behavior of particles and systems at the quantum level.

What is the Schrödinger equation?

The Schrödinger equation is a mathematical equation that describes the time evolution of a quantum system. It is the fundamental equation in quantum mechanics and it predicts the probability of finding a particle at a certain position and time.

What is quantum tunneling?

Quantum tunneling is a phenomenon in which particles can pass through a potential barrier even if they do not have enough energy to overcome it. This is possible due to the probabilistic nature of particles at the quantum level.

How does quantum mechanics differ from classical mechanics?

Quantum mechanics and classical mechanics are two different theories that describe the behavior of particles. While classical mechanics applies to macroscopic objects, quantum mechanics explains the behavior of particles at the microscopic level. Quantum mechanics also introduces concepts like superposition and uncertainty, which are not present in classical mechanics.

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