Is Schrödinger's Cat Alive?

2017/12/10 by M. L. Bhaumik · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · Computer Science · #Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Studies #Quantum Mechanics and Applications #Quantum Information and Cryptography

paper · pdf · doi:10.12743/quanta.v6i1.68

openalex publication_date 2017/12/10 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

Erwin Schrödinger is famous for presenting his wave equation of motion that jump-started quantum mechanics. His disenchantment with the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics led him to unveil the Schrödinger's cat paradox, which did not get much attention for nearly half a century. In the meantime, disappointment with quantum mechanics turned his interest to biology facilitating, albeit in a peripheral way, the revelation of the structure of DNA. Interest in Schrödinger's cat has recently come roaring back making its appearance conspicuously in numerous scientific articles. From the arguments presented here, it would appear that the legendary Schrödinger's cat is here to stay, symbolizing a profound truth that quantum reality exists at all scales; but we do not observe it in our daily macroscopic world as it is masked for all practical purposes, most likely by environmental decoherence with irreversible thermal effects. Quanta 2017; 6: 70–80.

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Cited by

• Erwin Schrödinger [wikipedia]