Probing the Quantum and Classical Boundary: A Tabletop Experiment Using Quantum Optics

TL;DR

This paper proposes a straightforward quantum optics experiment to explore the boundary between quantum superposition and classical collapse by measuring the electron interactions affecting wave-function collapse.

Contribution

It introduces a novel tabletop experimental setup using quantum optics and photomultiplier tubes to investigate the conditions for wave-function collapse.

Findings

Determines the electron threshold for wave-function collapse.

Provides a practical method to probe quantum-classical boundary.

Enhances understanding of measurement-induced collapse in quantum systems.

Abstract

In this work, we propose a simple but effective experiment for probing the boundary in which a wave-function collapses. Using a quantum optics system interacting with a photomultiplier tube (PMT), one is able to determine the number of electrons needed to interfere with the "which-path" information to cause the collapse of a quantum state.