DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16794392
title: Predictive Quantum Collapse in an Interplanetary Double-Slit Experiment

description: This work presents a novel experimental proposal to investigate whether accurate local predictions about future classical data can influence the collapse of a spatially separated quantum system before the arrival of that data. The concept is based on two identical double-slit apparatuses: one located on Earth and another hypothetically positioned on the Sun (or at a significant spatial distance).

 

In the proposed setup, apparatus A on Earth generates a classical bit by deciding whether or not to perform a which-path measurement on passing electrons or photons. This bit is sent to apparatus B via a classical communication channel, introducing a known delay. Before receiving this bit, apparatus B makes a local prediction about its value. The experiment tests whether events at B—specifically, the presence or absence of interference patterns—correlate with prediction accuracy beyond what standard quantum mechanics and the no-signaling theorem would predict.

 

This hypothesis draws on retrocausal and time-symmetric interpretations of quantum mechanics, but is designed to remain compatible with relativistic causality under conventional theory. The document provides a complete mathematical model, proposed apparatus design, statistical analysis framework, and simulated results for prediction-correct versus prediction-wrong scenarios.

 

If verified, this experiment would offer groundbreaking evidence of a retrocausal statistical influence, with profound implications for our understanding of quantum measurement and information flow. If no effect is found, the results would still reinforce the robustness of the no-signaling theorem, even in predictive contexts.

 

 

Description:

 

 

This study proposes a controlled test of whether accurate local predictions can statistically influence quantum wavefunction collapse at a distant location before classical information about measurement choices arrives.

 

 

Operational Principle

 

 

Two identical double-slit electron (or photon) systems are placed at distant locations:

 



DSE-A (Earth) fires particles toward a double-slit and either records which-path data (bit 1) or does not (bit 0).

The choice bit a is sent to DSE-B (Sun) via a classical channel, introducing a fixed delay \Delta t (e.g., one day for an Earth–Sun separation).

Before receiving a, DSE-B makes a local prediction p \in \{0,1\} about the incoming bit’s value, using an independent random number generator (RNG) or a computational model.

Depending on p, B configures its apparatus:



p = 0: interference mode (no which-path detection)

p = 1: which-path mode (wavefunction collapse)


 

After \Delta t, a arrives, and the recorded detection patterns at B are sorted into match (p=a) and mismatch (p\neq a) datasets.


 

 

If accurate predictions cause earlier collapse, the visibility V of interference fringes at B will differ systematically between the match and mismatch subsets, before classical knowledge of a is available.

 

 

 

 

Mathematical Model

 

 

Let \psi_1(x) and \psi_2(x) be the wavefunctions from the two slits.

The initial superposition at B is:

\Psi_B(x, t_B) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \big( \psi_1(x) + \psi_2(x) \big)

 

A prediction-based collapse operator is defined as:

\hat{C}(p,a) = \begin{cases} \hat{P}{\text{pred}}, & p = a \\ \hat{P}{\text{rand}}, & p \neq a \end{cases}

where \hat{P}{\text{pred}} projects onto the predicted state (interference or particle-like) and \hat{P}{\text{rand}} represents random decoherence.

 

The final state is:

\Psi_{\text{final}}(x, t_B) = \hat{C}(p,a) \, \Psi_B(x, t_B)

 

The observed intensity distribution is:

P(x) = |\Psi_{\text{final}}(x, t_B)|^2

 

Visibility metric:

V = \frac{I_{\max} - I_{\min}}{I_{\max} + I_{\min}}

where I_{\max} and I_{\min} are the peak and trough intensities in the interference pattern.

 

Under standard quantum mechanics (null hypothesis):

\mathbb{E}[V \mid \text{match}] = \mathbb{E}[V \mid \text{mismatch}]

Under the predictive collapse hypothesis:

\mathbb{E}[V \mid \text{match}] \neq \mathbb{E}[V \mid \text{mismatch}]

 

 

 

 

Possible Outcomes & Interpretations

 

 



No Significant Difference (Null Result)



Supports the no-signaling theorem and standard quantum mechanics.

Suggests that local predictions have no measurable influence on remote quantum states without classical communication.


 

Statistically Significant Difference in V



Implies a retrocausal or time-symmetric effect, where future measurement configurations or knowledge influence present quantum outcomes.

Requires re-examination of causality and information flow in quantum theory.


 

Anomalous but Inconsistent Signals



Could indicate experimental bias, environmental coupling, or hidden classical channels.

Demands rigorous control experiments and replication.


 


 

 

 

 

 

Experimental Significance

 

 

Even a weak but reproducible deviation from the null prediction would have major implications for:

 



Quantum foundations and interpretations (TSVF, Transactional Interpretation)

Causality in relativistic quantum systems

Potential new approaches to quantum communication (though still constrained by relativistic limits)


 

 

This project aims to deliver a falsifiable test: the theory predicts a measurable and statistically verifiable difference in interference visibility conditioned on prediction accuracy, without violating special relativity.