The concept of wave function collapse in quantum mechanics is a complex and controversial topic, and there are various interpretations and explanations for it. One interpretation, known as the Copenhagen interpretation, suggests that wave function collapse occurs when an observation or measurement is made by a conscious observer. According to this view, the act of measurement causes the wave function to "collapse" into a definite state.
However, it's important to note that the idea that only conscious observers can collapse the wave function is not universally accepted among physicists. Different interpretations, such as the many-worlds interpretation or the consistent histories interpretation, propose alternative explanations for wave function collapse that do not rely on the presence of conscious observers.
In these alternative interpretations, wave function collapse occurs as a result of interactions between quantum systems, regardless of whether a conscious observer is involved. According to these views, the wave function evolves deterministically and continuously, but our observations or interactions with the system lead to the appearance of a collapsed state or a specific outcome.
It's worth emphasizing that the question of wave function collapse and its relationship to consciousness is still an open and actively debated area of study in quantum mechanics. There is no consensus among physicists regarding the exact nature of wave function collapse and its connection to conscious observation.