Quantum superposition

Particles, at least theoretically, exist in a state of superposition prior to any interaction.

Many scientists, including myself, have interpreted and stated this idea of quantum superposition as quantum objects existing in multiple states at the same time.

But you should know that that statement is a simplification, perhaps a gross simplification, meant to make things more intuitive for a lay audience.

Physicists know that this is not correct.

Exactly.

So the true power unlocks when you combine three fundamental principles, right? Superposition, interference and entanglement.

Yes.

The synergy of those three principles is what gives quantum computing its theoretical supremacy.

OK, so we've got superposition.

Right.

Superposition gives us that vast probability space on the globe.

But then we need interference because qubits act like waves of probability.

Now you're talking Schrodinger.

So you're saying the gray zone is a manifestation of a quantum superposition.

And Schrodinger's cat experiment asks how long quantum superpositions last and when, or whether, they collapse.

Collapse?

So, if we don't get out this box, we're going to be a ship full of dead felines? If we want to adopt a reductio ad absurdum.

Right.

So how do you, standing in the hallway, mathematically describe the contents of that room using the strict rules of quantum mechanics? According to the theory, because no measurement has been revealed to you, the entire room, the photon, the measuring device, and the conscious friend holding the notebook, is in a massive quantum superposition.

Wait.

The macroscopic human being is in a superposition?

Exactly.

Now, in 1961, Wigner found this intellectually absurd.

He could not accept treating a conscious human observer as a blurry quantum superposition.

Naturally.

The most famous of these thought experiments was developed by Schrodinger himself, as he could not accept the Copenhagen interpretation.

It is called Schrodinger's cat, and it focuses on the bizarre concept of quantum superposition.

The idea is that if the Copenhagen interpretation is correct, a quantum system can exist in a number of different states, and until the system is observed, it exists in a superposition of all these states.

Once observed, it collapses into one of the definite states according to its probability.