Realistic interpretation of quantum mechanics and encounter-delayed-choice experiment

• 来源期刊: 中国科学:物理学 力学 天文学（英文版）
• 年，卷（期）: 2018,（3）
• 页码范围: 10-17
• 页数: 8页
• 语种: 英文

摘要

In this paper,a realistic interpretation (REIN) of the wave function in quantum mechanics is briefly presented.We demonstrate that in the REIN,the wave function of a microscopic object is its real existence rather than a mere mathematical description.Specifically,the quantum object can exist in disjointed regions of space just as the wave function is distributed,travels at a finite speed,and collapses instantly upon a measurement.Furthermore,we analyze the single-photon interference in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) using the REIN.Based on this,we propose and experimentally implement a generalized delayed-choice experiment,called the encounter-delayed-choice experiment,where the second beam splitter is decided whether or not to insert at the encounter of two sub-waves along the arms of the MZI.In such an experiment,the parts of the sub-waves,which do not travel through the beam splitter,show a particle nature,whereas the remaining parts interfere and thus show a wave nature.The predicted phenomenon is clearly demonstrated in the experiment,thus supporting the REIN idea.