The Status of the Wave Function in Dynamical Collapse Models

No Heading The idea that in dynamical wave function collapse models the wave function is superfluous is investigated. Evidence is presented for the conjecture that, in a model of a field theory on a 1+1 lightcone lattice, knowing the field configuration on the lattice back to some time in the past, allows the wave function or quantum state at the present moment to be calculated, to arbitrary accuracy so long as enough of the past field configuration is known.     

激光在等离子体中的坍塌行径

 从椭圆偏振激光场波包所满足的非线性控制方程出发,利用场论方法,构造该非线性方程的拉格朗日密度函数,得到激光场波包的能量集中具有准粒子特性,并给出守恒的粒子数、动量和能量。讨论了调制不稳定发展后期的波包坍塌动力学问题,利用归一化的粒子数密度分布作为权重,分析了激光场的波包。结果表明,激光场波包的尺度在有限的时间进程中,将塌缩到一个很小的值,证明了激光场具有塌缩行径。     

Nonlinearity of Quantum Mechanics and Solution of the Problem of Wave Function Collapse

The problem of the wave function collapse(a problem of measurement in quantum mechanics) is considered.It is shown that it can be solved based on quantum mechanics and does not require any additional assumptions or new theories. The particle creation and annihilation processes, which are described based on quantum field theory, play a key role in the measurement processes. Superposition principle is not valid for the system of equations of quantum field theory for particles and fields, because this system is a non-linear. As a result of the creation(annihilation) of a particle,an additional uncertainty arises, which "smears" the interference pattern. The imposition of such a large number of uncertainties in the repetitive measurements leads to the classical behavior of particles. The decoherence theory also implies the creation and annihilation of particles, and this processes are the consequence of non-linearity of quantum mechanics. In this case, the term "collapse of the wave function" becomes a consequence of the other statements of quantum mechanics instead of a separate postulate of quantum mechanics.     

Quantum Discreteness is an Illusion

I review arguments demonstrating how the concept of “particle” numbers arises in the form of equidistant energy eigenvalues of coupled harmonic oscillators representing free fields. Their quantum numbers (numbers of nodes of the wave functions) can be interpreted as occupation numbers for objects with a formal mass (defined by the field equation) and spatial wave number (“momentum”) characterizing classical field modes. A superposition of different oscillator eigenstates, all consisting of n modes having one node, while all others have none, defines a non-degenerate “n-particle wave function”. Other discrete properties and phenomena (such as particle positions and “events”) can be understood by means of the fast but continuous process of decoherence: the irreversible dislocalization of superpositions. Any wave-particle dualism thus becomes obsolete. The observation of individual outcomes of this decoherence process in measurements requires either a subsequent collapse of the wave function or a “branching observer” in accordance with the Schrödinger equation—both possibilities applying clearly after the decoherence process. Any probability interpretation of the wave function in terms of local elements of reality, such as particles or other classical concepts, would open a Pandora’s box of paradoxes, as is illustrated by various misnomers that have become popular in quantum theory.     

Are Collapse Models Testable via Flavor Oscillations?

Collapse models predict the spontaneous collapse of the wave function, in order to avoid the emergence of macroscopic superpositions. In their mass-dependent formulation, they claim that the collapse of any system’s wave function depends on its mass. Neutral K, D, B mesons are oscillating systems that are given by Nature as superposition of two distinct mass eigenstates. Thus they are unique laboratory for testing collapse models that are sensitive to the mass. In this paper we derive—for the single mesons and bipartite entangled mesons—the effect of the mass-proportional CSL (Continuous Spontaneous Localization) collapse model on the dynamics on neutral mesons. We compare the theoretical prediction with experimental data from different accelerator facilities.     

Derivation of quantum mechanics from the Boltzmann equation for the Planck aether

The Planck aether hypothesis assumes that space is densely filled with an equal number of locally interacting positive and negative Planck masses obeying an exactly nonrelativistic law of motion. The Planck masses can be described by a quantum mechanical two-component nonrelativistic operator field equation having the form of a two-component nonlinear Schrödinger equation, with a spectrum of quasiparticles obeying Lorentz invariance as a dynamic symmetry for energies small compared to the Planck energy. We show that quantum mechanics itself can be derived from the Newtonian mechanics of the Planck aether as an approximate solution of Boltzmann's equation for the locally interacting positive and negative Planck masses, and that the validity of the nonrelativistic Schrödinger equation depends on Lorentz invariance as a dynamic symmetry. We also show how the many-body Schrödinger wave function can be factorized into a product of quasiparticles of the Planck aether with separable quantum potentials. Finally, we present a possible explanation of wave function collapse as a kind of enhanced gravitational collapse in the presence of the negative Planck masses.     

A Model of Wavefunction Collapse in Discrete Space-Time

We give a new argument supporting a gravitational role in quantum collapse. It is demonstrated that the discreteness of space-time, which results from the proper combination of quantum theory and general relativity, may inevitably result in the dynamical collapse of the wave function. Moreover, the minimum size of discrete space-time yields a plausible collapse criterion consistent with experiments. By assuming that the source to collapse the wave function is the inherent random motion of particles described by the wave function, we further propose a concrete model of wavefunction collapse in the discrete space-time. It is shown that the model is consistent with the existing experiments and macroscopic experiences. PACS numbers: 0365B 0460     

Quantum mechanics needs no consciousness

It has been suggested that consciousness plays an important role in quantum mechanics as it is necessary for the collapse of wave function during the measurement. Here we formulated several predictions that follow from this hypothetical relationship and that can be empirically tested. Experimental results that are already available suggest falsification of these predictions. Thus, the suggested link between human consciousness and collapse of wave function does not seem viable. We discuss the implications of these conclusions on the role of the human observer for quantum mechanics and on the role of quantum mechanics for the observer's consciousness.     

On the collapse of wave packets in a medium with normal group velocity dispersion

A solution to the problem of realizing the collapse of three-dimensional wave packets in nonlinear media with normal group velocity dispersion is proposed. Wave packets with pronounced hyperbolic topology are shown to collapse; i.e., the field increases infinitely near the system axis. In particular, wave collapse of the tubular axisymmetric packets occurs through the concentration of the compressed ring field distribution at the axis. The collapse is shown to stabilize due to the saturation of nonlinearity or nonlinear dissipation, which restrict the field increase and lead to the packet splitting in the transverse direction.     

Copenhagen quantum mechanics

In our quantum mechanics courses, measurement is usually taught in passing, as an ad-hoc procedure involving the ugly collapse of the wave function. No wonder we search for more satisfying alternatives to the Copenhagen interpretation. But this overlooks the fact that the approach fits very well with modern measurement theory with its notions of the conditioned state and quantum trajectory. In addition, what we know of as the Copenhagen interpretation is a later 1950s development and some of the earlier pioneers like Bohr did not talk of wave function collapse. In fact, if one takes these earlier ideas and mixes them with later insights of decoherence, a much more satisfying version of Copenhagen quantum mechanics emerges, one for which the collapse of the wave function is seen to be a harmless book keeping device. Along the way, we explain why chaotic systems lead to wave functions that spread out quickly on macroscopic scales implying that Schrödinger cat states are the norm rather than curiosities generated in physicists’ laboratories. We then describe how the conditioned state of a quantum system depends crucially on how the system is monitored illustrating this with the example of a decaying atom monitored with a time of arrival photon detector, leading to Bohr’s quantum jumps. On the other hand, other kinds of detection lead to much smoother behaviour, providing yet another example of complementarity. Finally we explain how classical behaviour emerges, including classical mechanics but also thermodynamics.     

Dark energy from quantum wave function collapse of dark matter

Dynamical wave function collapse models entail the continuous liberation of a specified rate of energy arising from the interaction of a fluctuating scalar field with the matter wave function. We consider the wave function collapse process for the constituents of dark matter in our universe. Beginning from a particular early era of the universe chosen from physical considerations, the rate of the associated energy liberation is integrated to yield the requisite magnitude of dark energy around the era of galaxy formation. Further, the equation of state for the liberated energy approaches w→−1$w\to -1$ asymptotically, providing a mechanism to generate the present acceleration of the universe.     

There Is No Spooky Action at a Distance in Quantum Mechanics

Einstein became bothered by quantum mechanical action at a distance within two years of Schrödinger’s introduction of his eponymous wave equation. If the wave function represents the “real” physical state of a particle, then the measurement of the particle’s position would result in the instantaneous collapse of the wave function to the single, measured position. Such a process seemingly violates not only the Schrödinger equation but also special relativity. Einstein was not alone in this vexation; however, the dilemma eventually faded as physicists concentrated on using the Schrödinger equation to solve a plethora of pressing problems. For the next 30 years, wave function collapse, while occasionally discussed by physicists, was primarily a topic of interest for philosophers. That is, until 1964, when Bell introduced his famous inequality and maintained that its violation proved that quantum mechanics and, by implication, nature herself are nonlocal. Unfortunately, this brought the topic back to mainstream physics, where it has remained and continues to muddy the waters. To be sure, not all physicists are bothered by the apparent nonlocality of quantum mechanics. So where have those who embrace quantum nonlocality gone wrong? I argue that the answer is a gratuitous belief in the ontic nature of the quantum state.     

Reinterpretation of two-photon interference experiment using advanced field

The recent two-photon interference experiments by Wang, Zou, and Mandel, with and without a time-dependent light switch introduced into one of interferometer arms, indicate the collapse of photon waves along empty arms, not travelled by the detected photon, at a critical moment on the light cone backwards from the detected photon. It is proposed to interpret the Schrödinger's retarded wave equation as an operator acting on the advanced field satisfying the final condition of the experiment. In this time-symmetrical formulation the advanced field of the detected particle guides the retarded wave from the particle source not to enter empty arms, and the critical moment is interpreted as the time of the passage of the advanced field through the light switch. By changing the relative optical lengths of interferometer arms and observing the independence of the result of the experiment on the relative position of the detectors, we could conceive of the unarousal of the empty wave destined to collapse.     

Emergence and collapse of quantum mechanical superposition: Orthogonality of reversible dynamics and irreversible diffusion

Based on the modelling of quantum systems with the aid of (classical) non-equilibrium thermodynamics, both the emergence and the collapse of the superposition principle are understood within one and the same framework. Both are shown to depend in crucial ways on whether or not an average orthogonality is maintained between reversible Schrödinger dynamics and irreversible processes of diffusion. Moreover, the said orthogonality is already in full operation when dealing with a single free Gaussian wave packet. In an application, the quantum mechanical “decay of the wave packet” is shown to simply result from sub-quantum diffusion with a specific diffusivity varying in time due to a particle’s changing thermal environment. The exact quantum mechanical trajectory distributions and the velocity field of the Gaussian wave packet, as well as Born’s rule, are thus all derived solely from classical physics.     

Existence and collapse of Fano resonances as a function of pinning field in simple mono-mode magnetic circuits

We consider, in the frame of long-wavelength Heisenberg model, the effect of a pinning field on the spin wave band gaps and transmission spectra of a simple magnonic device. This simple device is composed of an infinite one dimensional (1D) monomode waveguide (the backbone) along which N (N’) side resonators are grafted at two sites. Using a Green’s function method, we obtained closed-form expressions for the transmission coefficients for various systems of this kind. The amplitude, the phase, and the phase time of the transmission are discussed as a function of frequency and the strength of the pinning field parameter. In the presence of the pinning field at the ends of the side branches, the transmission probability may exhibit resonances of the Fano type. It is shown that the transition from strong to weak pinning leads to Fano line shapes with gradually smaller asymmetry. This also results in a modification of the position and the width of the resonance but the transmission amplitude remain unaffected. Furthermore, it is shown that the presence of the pinning field causes systematic collapse of certain Fano resonances. These results may provide useful means for the design of narrow-frequency optical or microwave filters.     

Nonlinearity of Quantum Mechanics and Solution of the Problem of Wave Function Collapse

The problem of the wave function collapse (a problem of measurement in quantum mechanics) is considered. It is shown that it can be solved based on quantum mechanics and does not require any additional assumptions or new theories. The particle creation and annihilation processes, which are described based on quantum field theory, play a key role in the measurement processes. Superposition principle is not valid for the system of equations of quantum field theory for particles and fields, because this system is a non-linear. As a result of the creation (annihilation) of a particle, an additional uncertainty arises, which "smears" the interference pattern. The imposition of such a large number of uncertainties in the repetitive measurements leads to the classical behavior of particles. The decoherence theory also implies the creation and annihilation of particles, and this processes are the consequence of non-linearity of quantum mechanics. In this case, the term "collapse of the wave function" becomes a consequence of the other statements of quantum mechanics instead of a separate postulate of quantum mechanics.     

Decoherence and Wave Function Collapse

The possibility of consistency between the basic quantum principles of quantum mechanics and wave function collapse is reexamined. A specific interpretation of environment is proposed for this aim and is applied to decoherence. When the organization of a measuring apparatus is taken into account, this approach leads also to an interpretation of wave function collapse, which would result in principle from the same interactions with environment as decoherence. This proposal is shown consistent with the non-separable character of quantum mechanics.     

Quantum mechanics and the psyche

In this paper we apply the last developments of the theory of measurement in quantum mechanics to the phenomenon of consciousness and especially to the awareness of unconscious components. Various models of measurement in quantum mechanics can be distinguished by the fact that there is, or there is not, a collapse of the wave function. The passive aspect of consciousness seems to agree better with models in which there is no collapse of the wave function, whereas in the active aspect of consciousness—i.e., that which goes together with an act or a choice—there seems to be a collapse of the wave function. As an example of the second possibility we study in detail the photon delayed-choice experiment and its consequences for subjective or psychological time. We apply this as an attempt to explain synchronicity phenomena. As a model of application of the awareness of unconscious components we study the mourning process. We apply also the quantum paradigm to the phenomenon of correlation at a distance between minds, as well as to group correlations that appear during group therapies or group training. Quantum entanglement leads to the formation of group unconscious or collective unconscious. Finally we propose to test the existence of such correlations during sessions of group training. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Electrohydrodynamic wave-packet collapse and soliton instability for dielectric fluids in (2 + 1)-dimensions

A weakly nonlinear theory of wave propagation in two superposed dielectric fluids in the presence of a horizontal electric field is investigated using the multiple scales method in (2 + 1)-dimensions. The equation governing the evolution of the amplitude of the progressive waves is obtained in the form of a two-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation. We convert this equation for the evolution of wave packets in (2 + 1)-dimensions, using the function transformation method, into an exponentional and a Sinh-Gordon equation, and obtain classes of soliton solutions for both the elliptic and hyperbolic cases. The phenomenon of nonlinear focusing or collapse is also studied. We show that the collapse is direction-dependent, and is more pronounced at critical wavenumbers, and dielectric constant ratio as well as the density ratio. The applied electric field was found to enhance the collapsing for critical values of these parameters. The modulational instability for the corresponding one-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation is discussed for both the travelling and standing waves cases. It is shown, for travelling waves, that the governing evolution equation admits solitary wave solutions with variable wave amplitude and speed. For the standing wave, it is found that the evolution equation for the temporal and spatial modulation of the amplitude and phase of wave propagation can be used to show that the monochromatic waves are stable, and to determine the amplitude dependence of the cutoff frequencies.Received: 23 November 2003, Published online: 15 March 2004PACS: 47.20.-k Hydrodynamic stability - 52.35.Sb Solitons; BGK modes - 42.65.Jx Beam trapping, self-focusing and defocusing; self-phase modulation - 47.65. + a Magnetohydrodynamics and electrohydrodynamicsM.F. El-Sayed: Permanent address: Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Education, Ain Shams University, Roxy, Cairo, Egypt