Photons Do Collapse In the Retina Not in the Brain Cortex: Evidence from Visual Illusions

Abstract

While looking for evidence of quantum coherent states within the brain, many quantum mind advocates proposed experiments based on the assumption that the coherent state of a photon entering the visual system could somehow be preserved through the neural processing, or in other words they suppose that photons collapse not in the retina, but in the brain cortex. In this paper we show that photons do collapse within the retina and subsequent processing of information at the level of neural membranes proceeds. Moreover, we explicitly stress on the fact that due to existent amplification of the signal produced by each photon, a basic quantum mechanical theorem forbids the photon state to be teleported from the retina to the brain cortex. The changes of the membrane potential of the neurons in the primary visual cortex are shown to be relevant to inputting visual sensory information that is already processed and is not identical to the visual image entering in the retina. A striking evidence for the existent processing of the incoming visual information by the retina is provided by visual illusions resulting from the lateral inhibition mechanism.

How lateral inhibition and fast retinogeniculo-cortical oscillations create vision: A new hypothesis

“…Once photons enter the photoreceptors, rhodopsin absorbs them, and they become photoisomerized and changed from the 11-cis to the all-trans configuration, all of which takes place in 10 À12 s [15]. We interpret visual processing as instantaneous because we are incapable of detecting a time interval less than 40 ms. Any two events that are separated by less than 40 ms appear as happening simultaneously [35], suggesting that there is a lag time in which processing must take place before one can perceive anything externally. This supports our theory in that as these biochemical processes take place, the images are projected directly into the brain through pre-existing oscillations that allow the retina and brain to communicate in real-time, because this neural network was formed in utero [36][37][38][39].…”

“…Cortical magnification means that there is more cortical space and more cortical neurons devoted to processing visual information received from the fovea, than what is needed to process visual information in other areas of the retina [35]. Prior to reaching the cortex, not only are photon signals amplified, but visual information is irreversibly modified in the retina [35].…”

“…Prior to reaching the cortex, not only are photon signals amplified, but visual information is irreversibly modified in the retina [35]. Signal amplification and photon amplification are not interchangeable terms.…”

“…Signal amplification and photon amplification are not interchangeable terms. Signal amplification refers to ''an electric current and release of glutamate," that happens when photoreceptors detect photons transducing them to chemical-neural signals through biochemical cascades [35].…”

“…Currently in neuroscience, conscious perception of visual information is considered to occur in the primary visual cortex, and current theory on vision suggests that electrical signals coding the visual image are transmitted to the visual cortex for processing [35], (Fig. 5-Flowchart 1).…”