On the Nature of the Change in the Wave Function in a Measurement in Quantum Mechanics

TL;DR

This paper challenges the traditional view that physical interaction causes wave function change during quantum measurement, proposing instead that knowledge and information are the key factors, supported by thought experiments and empirical electron shelving studies.

Contribution

It introduces the idea that wave function change is linked to knowledge rather than physical interaction, revising common interpretations in quantum measurement theory.

Findings

Feynman's double-hole experiment shows no physical interaction needed for wave function change.

Empirical evidence from electron shelving supports the knowledge-based view.

Traditional interaction-based explanations are challenged by these results.

Abstract

Generally a central role has been assigned to an unavoidable physical interaction between the measuring instrument and the physical entity measured in the change in the wave function that often occurs in measurement in quantum mechanics. A survey of textbooks on quantum mechanics by authors such as Dicke and Witke (1960), Eisberg and Resnick (1985), Gasiorowicz (1974), Goswami (1992), and Liboff (1993) supports this point. Furthermore, in line with the view of Bohr and Feynman, generally the unavoidable interaction between a measuring instrument and the physical entity measured is considered responsible for the uncertainty principle. A gedankenexperiment using Feynman's double-hole interference scenario shows that physical interaction is not necessary to effect the change in the wave function that occurs in measurement in quantum mechanics. Instead, the general case is that knowledge is linked to the change in the wave function, not a physical interaction between the physical existent measured and the measuring instrument. Empirical work on electron shelving that involves null measurements, or what Renninger called negative observations (Zeitschrift fur Physik, vol. 158, p. 417), supports these points. Work on electron shelving is reported by Dehmelt and his colleagues (Physical Review Letters, vol. 56, p. 2797), Wineland and his colleagues (Physical Review Letters, vol. 57, p. 1699), and Sauter, Neuhauser, Blatt, and Toschek (Physical Review Letters, vol. 57, p. 1696).