Autcsrgv.318
net.misc
utzoo!utcsrgv!donald
Wed Apr 28 15:52:27 1982
Re: psi vs relativity vs quantum mechanics

Let's remove all vestiges of PSI from the air and turn this inot
(oops -- "into") a bona fide quantum mechanics discussion.

Suppose we have a universe where there is exactly one electron and
three observers (A, B, and C).  The wave function of the electron
extends across the whole universe so either A or B may detect it at
their respective locations.

A makes an observation (event E) and detects the electron at his position.

At the moment that A makes his observation the wave function of the electron
collapses and becomes 1 at A's location and 0 everywhere else.  A then goes
for coffee.

Suppose B also decides to make an observation of the electron, and since the
wave function extends to his location also, there is a probability that B
will observe it at his location.  Lo and behold he does, call his observation
event F.

Events E and F are space-like separated, so let C observe events E and F
from a suitable frame of reference such that E and F occur separated by
a span of say 1 second.

Now C has just observed an electron jump a 1 light-year gap in 1 second.
Of course, E and F do not necessarily occur, but given that it does,
no information has been transmitted.
The question is, are there any quantum mechanical phenomena which CAN
be manipulated so as to transmit information?

						Don Chan
						utcsrgv!donald

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