Misinference of interaction-free measurement from a classical system

Interaction-free measurement is thought to allow for quantum particles to detect objects along paths they never traveled. As such, it represents one of the most beguiling of quantum phenomena. Here, we present a classical analog of interaction-free measurement using the hydrodynamic pilotwave system...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bush, John W. M., Frumkin, Valeri
Other Authors: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mathematics
Format: Article
Language:en_US
Published: American Physical Society 2023
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/153144
Description
Summary:Interaction-free measurement is thought to allow for quantum particles to detect objects along paths they never traveled. As such, it represents one of the most beguiling of quantum phenomena. Here, we present a classical analog of interaction-free measurement using the hydrodynamic pilotwave system, in which a droplet self-propels across a vibrating fluid surface, guided by a wave of its own making. We argue that existing rationalizations of interaction-free quantum measurement in terms of particles being guided by wave forms allow for a classical description manifest in our hydrodynamic system, wherein the measurement is decidedly not interaction-free.