A question on the observation problem.

[siromar]

Would it be possible to avoid decoherence by using some kind of single particle detector to better understand a second particle's wavefunction? For an example, during a double-slit experiment, in addition to the particle fired through the slits, another is fired perpendicularly on the other side of the barrier. The two particles would be synchronized as to interact near the slits. The measuring particle would still need to be measured, itself, by a macro system, causing decoherence, of course. But can we perhaps indirectly measure the first particle's wavefunction properties, by the change of state to the measuring particle?

 

[SpeedFreek]

Yes, we can!

Have a look at the "delayed choice quantum eraser" experiment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed_ch ... tum_eraser

 

[siromar]

Yes, we can!

Have a look at the "delayed choice quantum eraser" experiment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed_ch ... tum_eraser

That is exactly what I'm talking about! I feel almost proud to have come up with that idea independently.