What causes the wave function to collapse? Observation or Interaction? Can interaction theoretically occur without observation?

What causes the wave function to collapse? Observation or Interaction? Can interaction theoretically occur without observation?

As far as I understand it, observation is an interaction. This is because any observation is going to require a photon of one sort or another. This photon interacts with the "particle " ( whatever that means ie whatever 'Particle' means). This interaction is enough to collapse the wave function . Quite why will require a better person than me to respond.

 

By guess is " that while they are not too tied up, they work within their probability wave parameters, When they get called on ( by interaction including observation ) to do something meaningful , they join the real world and work within a more defined position or momentum " Remember this is just a guess, or I will get my hands slapped.

Edited December 19, 201213 yr by Mike Smith Cosmos

It's a bit fuzzy, but basically it's interaction involving the superposition. Observation is generally a subset of interaction.

It's a bit fuzzy, but basically it's interaction involving the superposition. Observation is generally a subset of interaction.

 

Yes, this is completely understood, but is there a form of interaction that doesn't require observation? Is it even possible to interact with an electron without an observer? This is mind boggling. Are we certain the collapse of the wave function is due to the interaction with photons and only photons? I understand nothing is certain in this universe, but I'm sure you understand what I mean.

Electron excitation from a photon absorption does not require an observer.

 

Yes, this is completely understood, but is there a form of interaction that doesn't require observation?

 

does falling tree make a sound without an observer?

 

Is it even possible to interact with an electron without an observer? This is mind boggling. Are we certain the collapse of the wave function is due to the interaction with photons and only photons? I understand nothing is certain in this universe, but I'm sure you understand what I mean.[/

Yes, this is completely understood, but is there a form of interaction that doesn't require observation? Is it even possible to interact with an electron without an observer? This is mind boggling. Are we certain the collapse of the wave function is due to the interaction with photons and only photons? I understand nothing is certain in this universe, but I'm sure you understand what I mean.

The photon is the carrier of the electromagnetic force. When two charged particles interact they do so by exchanging virtual photons. This interaction does not collapse the wave function, nor it need be observed for it to occur.