The unperformed experiment as an act of annihilation

Abstract

Here, we accept the results of quantum experiments at face value and we make no apology for the failure of classical physics. Just as Wheeler has called particle detection an "act of creation", we suggest that, in some circumstances, not detecting the particle might be considered an "act of annihilation". We propose a delayed choice experiment in which we decide to interrupt an experiment after the particle has supposedly passed through the preparation apparatus and is on the verge of being detected. Even with the detection device in place, the particle is nowhere to be found.