Check out one of the seminal moments in physics, writes Phil Becque

There is a paradox at the heart of quantum mechanics; namely, that the observer - in this case very sensitive measuring equipment - can affect the result of an observation, before the photons or electrons have been activated.

The paradox arises partly due to our way of describing matter as waves or particles as if they have an independent existence, when in fact they always have an environmental context.

The simple fact is that all matter in the universe is 'co-dependent' to some degree. In this experiment the photons are sharing the same space as the slits and because the wave function is infinite at one extremity, they can react to the slits before the main part of the energy peak of the wave reaches the slits.  

Confused?

Then please click on the picture to see a computer simulated animation of this famous experiment, which still has people wondering at the marvel of quantum mechanics.

For a description of what is happening in this simulation please follow this link.

This simulation is courtesy of Kristel Michielsen and Hans De Raedt at the Institute for Theoretical Physics & Material Science Centre at the University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, NL-9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.

For a discussion on The interpretation of Quantum Theory & Non-locality and the EPR Paradox, please visit the Pari Centre for New Learning.