The Double-Slit Experiment and Schrödinger’s Cat

Early Summer on Campus

A pleasant breeze swept through the University of Tokyo campus, carrying the warmth of early summer.

On his way to the lecture hall, Satoshi Koizumi paused for a moment to take in the scene before him. The sunlight filtering through the trees created shifting patterns on the ground, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

“The desire to know the unknown—that’s what brought me here. It all started from something that simple,” he thought.

The Mystery of the Double-Slit Experiment

Entering the lecture hall, Satoshi saw the students already seated, ready for the lecture. Standing at the podium, he wrote “Quantum Mechanics” on the whiteboard and began speaking in his usual calm tone.

“Today, I’ll introduce you to two particularly fascinating phenomena in quantum mechanics.”

As the students’ faces lit up with curiosity, Satoshi started explaining the double-slit experiment. On the whiteboard, he sketched two slits and a screen, pointing to the diagram.

“Imagine throwing balls at this setup. Normally, the balls would pass through one of the slits and form a straightforward pattern on the screen.”

The students nodded quietly, following his explanation.

“But particles like electrons or photons behave differently. When unobserved, they act like waves, passing through both slits simultaneously. This results in an interference pattern—a series of overlapping waves—on the screen.”

He drew the interference pattern and continued, gesturing toward the students.

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“Now, what happens if we observe which slit the particle goes through? The moment we do that, the interference pattern disappears. Instead, the particle behaves like a solid object, passing through only one slit.”

Schrödinger’s Cat

A buzz of astonishment rippled through the room. Takahara raised his hand.

“Professor, it’s almost as if the universe doesn’t want to show us its secrets. Every time we observe, it only reveals one answer. It’s fascinating.”

The classroom murmured in agreement, and Satoshi smiled.

“That’s an interesting way to put it. Perhaps the act of observation itself shapes the reality we perceive. It’s as if we’re co-creators of the universe’s truths.”

The atmosphere in the classroom grew charged with excitement as Satoshi introduced the next topic.

“Let’s move on to a famous thought experiment in quantum mechanics—Schrödinger’s Cat.”

On the whiteboard, he drew a box and added a cartoonish sketch of a cat inside it.

“Imagine this: inside this box, there’s a cat. There’s also a device that can release poison gas, triggered by a completely random mechanism.”

The students leaned in, their curiosity piqued.

“Until we open the box to observe, the cat exists in a state of superposition—it’s both alive and dead at the same time. But the moment we observe, the wave function collapses, and the cat’s state is decided.”

The Possibilities of Quantum Mechanics

Takahara raised his hand again.

“That kind of reminds me of the future. It’s like all possibilities continue to exist until they’re observed.”

Satoshi, impressed by his insight, nodded with a satisfied smile.

“You’re absolutely right. Quantum mechanics deals with the overlap of possibilities. In a way, our choices and actions could be seen as the observations that shape our futures.”

The classroom buzzed with quiet enthusiasm as Satoshi wrapped up his lecture.

“The uncertainty quantum mechanics reveals isn’t just about chaos; it also shows us the vastness of possibilities. Perhaps the keys to the universe’s mysteries lie within this very field.”

As the students’ eyes gleamed with newfound wonder, Satoshi left the lecture hall, reflecting on the discussion.

Searching for the Future

Walking across the campus, he glanced up at the sky.

“Any possibility remains unknown until observed. Maybe I’m searching for such a future myself.”

Conversations at Home

Later that evening, the quiet hum of the house greeted Satoshi as he returned home. He noticed his wife, Tomomi, sitting at her sewing desk.

“Welcome back. Busy day?” she asked without turning, her hands deftly at work.

Satoshi shrugged off his suit jacket and nodded.

“I had a lecture at the university, then stopped by RIKEN to check on some experimental data. The readings are still unstable.”

Tomomi continued her sewing but listened intently.

“So, will you talk about that at tomorrow’s conference?”

“No, tomorrow’s focus will be on Dr. Lee Wen-Chang. He’s famous for his theories on dark matter,” Satoshi replied.

Tomomi’s eyes lit up.

“The real Lee Wen-Chang? You’re lucky to hear him in person! Are you going to ask him a question?”

“A question? I mean, if the chance comes up. But it’s a big event, so it might be tough,” he admitted.

Tomomi looked up at him with a gentle smile.

“You’ll do fine. You’re good at that sort of thing, aren’t you?”

Her words made Satoshi relax, the weight of the day lifting slightly.

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ll give it a try.”