Under quantum tax law, photons sent through a beamsplitter don’t actually choose which path they took, or incur a tax burden, until their wavefunction collapses when the power is sold.

https://explainxkcd.com/2991/

  • @NocturnalMorning
    link
    English
    122 months ago

    Are beam splitters the main component in telescopes? It’s funny, but probably way more relatable to an astronomer, or someone who does optics stuff with telescopes.

    • @zorro
      link
      English
      72 months ago

      Did you read the explainxkcd link?

      • @NocturnalMorning
        link
        English
        12 months ago

        No, I didn’t realize there was one. Thanks! Totally missed the link

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      22 months ago

      Pentaprisms from SLR cameras have a similar but slightly different function, so personally as an amateur photographer who doesn’t use a SLR but learned about em, I think it’s pretty easy for photographers who used such tech to relate.