Talk:Wheeler's delayed-choice experiment

Simple interferometer

In my opinion the point of view expressed in the section "Simple interferometer" is contrary to the entire point of the article and contrary to known science. For example:

• If a single photon is emitted into the entry port of the apparatus at the lower-left corner, it immediately encounters a beam splitter.

This describes the quantum experiment in terms of particles in flight, contrary exactly to Wheeler's argument. For example,

• It is wrong to speak of the "route" of the photon in the experiment of the beam splitter. It is wrong to attribute a tangibility to the photon in all its travel from the point of entry to its last instant of flight.
• page 184, Wheeler, J. & Zurek, W. (1983). Quantum Theory and Measurement. Princeton: Princeton University Press. https://doi-org.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/10.1515/9781400854554

As the section has no references I intend to delete it. Johnjbarton (talk) 18:46, 21 October 2024 (UTC)

Rewrite needed.

The article has multiple copies of most of the material (2 cosmic, 3 or 4 interferometer). The first set has too much detail and the second set repeats it. These sections have almost no refs. It has no History section, no discussion of the relationship to Bohr/Einstein. Not enough of Wheeler's analysis is presented and not enough of the recent implementations.

The current article does start with the Cosmic version which I think is a good plan. I think it is easier to explain and, being more extreme, does not rely on readers having to accept as many claims about experimental technology.

The current article mostly describes the experiments as Wheeler proposed them. I plan to move that material to the History. Then the new Experimental section can discuss the modern experimental results.

I will add before deleting so the article will have more duplication to start. Johnjbarton (talk) 17:15, 24 October 2024 (UTC)

Wheeler's plan

The image labeled "Wheeler's plan" does not match Wheeler's plan and it makes no physical sense. The image from Wheeler's 1984 paper is reprinted in

• Ma, X. S., Kofler, J., & Zeilinger, A. (2016). Delayed-choice gedanken experiments and their realizations. Reviews of Modern Physics, 88(1), 015005.

and it shows one path direct to Earth and one through the galaxy lens. Johnjbarton (talk) 18:07, 24 October 2024 (UTC)

I replaced the image with my homemade one.  Done Johnjbarton (talk) 00:51, 26 October 2024 (UTC)

Proposal to rename: Delayed choice experiment

Wheeler's versions are famous but there are others especially in the modern era. I think it would be better to highlight Wheeler's role in the History and iconic examples but use a more generic title. Johnjbarton (talk) 00:35, 26 October 2024 (UTC)