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Register a new userThe wave-function as a true ensemble
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In quantum mechanics, the wave-function only predicts probabilities of measurement outcomes, not individual outcomes. This suggests that it describes an ensemble of states with different values of a hidden variable. Here, we analyse this idea with reference to currently known theorems and experiments. We argue that the $psi$-ontic/epistemic distinction fails to properly identify ensemble interpretations and propose a more useful definition. We then show that all $psi$-ensemble interpretations which reproduce quantum mechanics violate Statistical Independence. Finally, we explain how this interpretation helps make sense of some otherwise puzzling phenomena in quantum mechanics, such as the delayed choice experiment, the Elitzur-Vaidman bomb detector, and the Extended Wigners Friends Scenario.
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The Transactional Interpretation of quantum mechanics exploits the intrinsic time-symmetry of wave mechanics to interpret the $psi$ and $psi$* wave functions present in all wave mechanics calculations as representing retarded and advanced waves moving in opposite time directions that form a quantum handshake or transaction. This handshake is a 4D standing-wave that builds up across space-time to transfer the conserved quantities of energy, momentum, and angular momentum in an interaction. Here we derive a two-atom quantum formalism describing a transaction. We show that the bi-directional electromagnetic coupling between atoms can be factored into a matched pair of vector potential Greens functions: one retarded and one advanced, and that this combination uniquely enforces the conservation of energy in a transaction. Thus factored, the single-electron wave functions of electromagnetically-coupled atoms can be analyzed using Schrodingers original wave mechanics. The technique generalizes to any number of electromagnetically coupled single-electron states---no higher-dimensional space is needed. Using this technique, we show a worked example of the transfer of energy from a hydrogen atom in an excited state to a nearby hydrogen atom in its ground state. It is seen that the initial exchange creates a dynamically unstable situation that avalanches to the completed transaction, demonstrating that wave function collapse, considered mysterious in the literature, can be implemented with solutions of Schrodingers original wave mechanics, coupled by this unique combination of retarded/advanced vector potentials, without the introduction of any additional mechanism or formalism. We also analyse a simplified version of the photon-splitting and Freedman-Clauser three-electron experiments and show that their results can be predicted by this formalism.
We present a new quasi-probability distribution function for ensembles of spin-half particles or qubits that has many properties in common with Wigners original function for systems of continuous variables. We show that this function provides clear and intuitive graphical representation of a wide variety of states, including Fock states, spin-coherent states, squeezed states, superpositions and statistical mixtures. Unlike previous attempts to represent ensembles of spins/qubits, this distribution is capable of simultaneously representing several angular momentum shells.
A single-particle multi-branched wave-function is studied. Usual which-path tests show that if the detector placed on one branch clicks, the detectors on the other branches remain silent. By the collapse postulate, after this click, the state of the particle is reduced to a single branch, the branch on which the detector clicked. The present article challenges the collapse postulate, claiming that when one branch of the wave-function produces a click in a detector, the other branches dont disappear. They cant produce clicks in detectors, but they are still there. An experiment different from which-path test is proposed, which shows that detectors are responsible for strongly decohering the wave-function, but not for making parts of it disappear. Moreover, one of the branches supposed to disappear may produce an interference pattern with a wave-packet of another particle.
We address the impossibility of achieving exact time reversal in a system with many degrees of freedom. This is a particular example of the difficult task of aiming an initial classical state so as to become a specific final state. We also comment on the classical-to-quantum transition in any non-separable closed system of $n geq 2$ degrees of freedom. Even if the system is initially in a well defined WKB, semi-classical state, quantum evolution and, in particular, multiple reflections at classical turning points make it completely quantum mechanical with each particle smeared almost uniformly over all the configuration space. The argument, which is presented in the context of $n$ hard discs, is quite general. Finally, we briefly address more complex quantum systems with many degrees of freedom and ask when can they provide an appropriate environment to the above simpler systems so that quantum spreading is avoided by continuously leaving imprints in the environment. We also discuss the possible connections with the pointer systems that are needed in the quantum-to-classical collapse transitions.
Light pollution is actively destroying our ability to see the stars. Many Indigenous traditions and knowledge systems around the world are based on the stars, and the peoples ability to observe and interpret stellar positions and properties is of critical importance for daily life and cultural continuity. The erasure of the night sky acts to erase Indigenous connection to the stars, acting as a form of ongoing cultural and ecological genocide. Efforts to reduce, minimise, or eliminate light pollution are being achieved with varying degrees of success, but urban expansion, poor lighting design, and the increased use of blue-light emitting LEDs as a cost-effective solution is worsening problems related to human health, wildlife, and astronomical heritage for the benefit of capitalistic economic growth. We provide a brief overview of the issue, illustrating some of the important connections that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia maintain with the stars, as well as the impact growing light pollution has on this ancient knowledge. We propose a transdisciplinary approach to solving these issues, using a foundation based on Indigenous philosophies and decolonising methodologies.
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