Why does the wavefunction collapse?

#1

In the many-worlds hypothesis, the wavefunction does not collapse, but rather parts of a universal wavefunction (of which you are a part) become decoherent.

This is a much more palatable than measurement somehow triggering a collapse of the wavefunction. But it doesn’t really help with the question of why we observe what we do. How does observation cause decoherence, and why so quickly??

Watch this video about ‘which way’ double-slit experiments and the quantum eraser experiment. It’s completely fucked.

#2

This seems like it’s probably @thomas’s area of expertise. This is some really spooky stuff that makes me feel more like there’s a creator who tried to hide this stuff from us but we found it. Side note it’s funny how I was (and I would probably say, am) very not religious but I’m bringing up a creator in every physics convo. Guess that’s just how good physics is. I don’t know much about the multi-world hypothesis I’ll have to read about it. But I might be more into not-that than that, on first impression.

#3

Don’t read popscience stuff. It will turn you off.

@void Do you have any book recommendations for him?

#4

If double slit experiments make you uncomfortable, you should not be seeking many-worlds for solace. You need to closer study and understand what is meant by a “quantum state.” I find the polarization of a photon to be one that I can understand relatively easily. New, strange hypotheses will not save you, you need to just dive in and figure it out the normal way. Read a book.

#5

My problem is not with superposition, but with collapse. Do you understand that easily? If so, I think you should publish a book! I’ll read it :slightly_smiling_face: