An experiment in quantum physics suggests that reality is not objective



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He said she said

A new experiment in quantum physics has just highlighted a stunning idea previously limited to the field of theory, according to the Review of MIT technology – that, under good conditions, two people can observe the same event, see two things happen and both are correct.

According to a shared search on the pre-print server arXiv On Tuesday, physicists from the Heriot-Watt University showed for the first time to two people how to experience different realities by recreating a classic experience of quantum thinking.

Buddy system

The experiment implies that two people observe a single photon, the smallest quantifiable unit of light that can act as a particle or as a wave under different conditions. The photon can exist in one of the two alignments, but until the moment when one actually measures to determine which one, the photon is deemed to exist in superposition – both conditions are true at the same moment.

In the thought experiment, a scientist discreetly analyzes the photon and determines its alignment. Another scientist, unaware of the measure of the first, is able to confirm that the photon – and therefore the measure of the first scientist – always exists in a quantum superposition of all possible results.

As a result, every scientist has experienced a different reality. Both are technically true, even if they disagree.

Concrete evidence

To realize this idea of ​​a thought experiment, it took an experimental installation with lasers, beam separators and a series of six photons measured by various equipment replacing the two scientists.

Other researchers have previously developed the experimental setup, according to MIT Techbut this is the first time anyone has managed to pull out the experience.

Although the research has not yet been validated and published by a university journal, its results concretely confirm the kind of brain-blowing ideas that amaze undergraduates in physics – in the field of quantum physics, a shared objective reality.

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