How Do We Get to or Contact These Other Quantum Realities?

General Questions
#1

I am not an expert on the subject of quantum physics (if I ever find a cite though, rest assured I’ll put it here first chance I get). But as I understand it, there is a theory in quantum physics called quantum realities that simply states that every possibility that could exist, does exist in an alternate quantum reality. In one reality–ours–Bush is president. In another, Gore. And if you believe that there are an infinite number of possible outcomes in any given situation, then apparently in at least one I am president! (More on that later.)

Now, for some time now I just assumed these other realities were out of our reach–there was no way to get to them. Then I hear on PBS that when you shine light thru a slit, you get a multi-lined pattern that suggests that these alternate realtities are somehow interacting with ours! Furthermore I read some place IIRC that cell phones and other appliances can some day be made more compact by interacting with these other realities!

Query: So how do you get to these other places and meet these other people. Apparently I am the unquestioned Lord of the Universe in one–and that person has been hogging the limelight too long! I want to change places with him–he can have my life now. Also, is it at least possible to communicate with these other realities? Are cell phones going to in fact do just that some day. Hmmm…

TTFN:D

#2

Short answer – you can’t, despite the double slit experiment.

Long answer: Learn a lot more about quantum mechanics. It is truly bizzare, and very hard to sum up in a couple of quick posts. Everything about is incredibly counter-intuitive, and doesn’t support “common-sense” reasoning. It’s been said (Feynman?), If you understand quantum mechanics, you don’t.

#3

I once read a paper, published in an actual physics journal, describing how to take a “photograph” of one of the alternate worlds. It was by David Deutsch. As far as I could tell, though, he was just describing quantum interference effects (of the double slit type mentioned in the OP) in a different way. There are lots of different interpretations of QM; not all of them introduce an infinity of alternate realities to explain the phenomena. I like Occam’s razor: I’ll do without the alternate universes until someone can prove to me they exist.

#4

It is my understanding that a partical exist in all possible locations untill someone observes it. Then all possiblites colaspe into only the most probable one. So there is not multiple universes only multiple very small parts and then only untill observed.

#5

Stinky, as FriendRob said, that is one interpretation. The math is all we really know, the rest is human attempts to put human explanations on the math to understand “what’s going on”. There is no one interpretation that be considered “right”. If it fits the math, it’s as good as the next.

#6

What muttrox and FriendRob said is essentially correct. The multiple universe interpretation of Quantum Mechanics is potentially suggested by some of the results. However, I don’t believe it is really considered a good possibility by most scientists. Scientists like things that are testable and provable and the multiple universe theory is neither and likely never will be. Additionally it is just such a startling concept that I think most people who really think about it can’t really like it.

If you want a good fictional book (fantasy) that has absolutely nothing to do with quantum mechanics but deals with the notion of being able to find a ‘universe’ where you are Supreme Ruler of Everything you might like Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny. This is the first book in a series that describes Amber as the one True world and all others (including our earth) as but shadows of that world. If you are able to ‘walk through shadows’ you can travel to any of a multitude of worlds and find the one that suits you best. The Princes have done this and basically set themselves up pretty well in each world they choose to settle in. Of course, Amber itself is the real prize. It’s a great series but hard to find these days.

#7

I should have said can’t really like it from a scientific perspective. It is certainly a fun notion from a science fiction perspective (spawning such shows as Sliders not to mention as a theme in a bevy of sci-fi novels).