Defining "observation"

Ranando King · science forum Guru Wannabe Joined: 28 Apr 2005 Posts: 129

According to QM, matter wave functions collapse upon observation. However,
no one has yet defined what is meant by observation and what is required
during the observation process in order to cause this wave function
collapse?

So far, it's obvious that "mind" is not a requirement. When we look up at
the night sky we see evidence of wave functions that collapsed millions of
years ago. Even looking at our own sun is looking at wave functions that
collapsed more than 8 seconds ago. So mind is not required. For much the
same reason, a physical recording device is not required. No device designed
to measure events was around when the first gas clouds condensed to form the
first stars, so that leaves out contrived mechanistic observations.

What's left? Particles observing other particles. But what are the rules?
If it were as simple as field interactions between particles, then no
particle would ever stay as a non-collaped wave function since every
particle in the universe is constantly under the influence of every other
particles field.

R.

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