On Interchangeability of Probe-Object Roles in Quantum-Quantum Interaction-Free Measurement

TL;DR

This paper explores the symmetry and state changes in quantum interaction-free measurements where both probe and object are quantum particles, proposing a thought experiment to analyze their roles and entanglement effects.

Contribution

It introduces the idea that probe and object roles are interchangeable in quantum IFM and suggests a thought experiment to understand state changes and entanglement.

Findings

Probe and object roles are symmetrical in quantum IFM.

Both particles' states change during the measurement.

Probe and object may become entangled without direct interaction.

Abstract

In this paper we examine Interaction-free measurement (IFM) where both the probe and the object are quantum particles. We argue that in this case the description of the measurement procedure must by symmetrical with respect to interchange of the roles of probe and object. A thought experiment is being suggested that helps to determine what does and what doesn't happen to the state of the particles in such a setup. It seems that unlike the case of classical object, here the state of both the probe and the object must change. A possible explanation of this might be that the probe and the object form an entangled pair as a result of non-interaction.