Topic
Objective collapse theory
About: Objective collapse theory is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 71 publications have been published within this topic receiving 1983 citations.
Papers published on a yearly basis
Papers
TL;DR: In this article, a general formalism for models of spontaneous wave function collapse with dynamics represented by a stochastic differential equation driven by general Gaussian noises, not necessarily white in time, is presented.
Abstract: We set up a general formalism for models of spontaneous wavefunction collapse with dynamics represented by a stochastic differential equation driven by general Gaussian noises, not necessarily white in time. In particular, we show that the non-Schrodinger terms of the equation induce the collapse of the wavefunction to one of the common eigenstates of the collapsing operators, and that the collapse occurs with the correct quantum probabilities. We also develop a perturbation expansion of the solution of the equation with respect to the parameter which sets the strength of the collapse process; such an approximation allows one to compute the leading-order terms for the deviations of the predictions of collapse models with respect to those of standard quantum mechanics. This analysis shows that to leading order, the 'imaginary noise' trick can be used for non-white Gaussian noise.
101 citations
TL;DR: The theoretical and experimental context within which the "Copenhagen Interpretation" of quantum theory was generated is underemphasized by recent critics of the Bohr-Heisenberg philosophy as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The theoretical and experimental context within which the “Copenhagen Interpretation” of quantum theory was generated is underemphasized by recent critics of the Bohr-Heisenberg philosophy When an interpretation of a theory has been as successful as this one has been, there is little practical warrant for the “alternative interpretations” which have, since Bohm, been receiving prominence Indeed, these are not even genuine alternatives; although rich in provocative prose, they provide not a scrap of algebra with which to organize the practical physicist's thinking Several objections to the Bohr interpretation are critically examined, as is also a particular use of the correspondence principle which has seemed to cast doubt on the Copenhagen ideas
47 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a number of advantages of objective collapse theories for the resolution of long-standing problems in cosmology and quantum gravity are discussed. And the authors show how reduction models contain the necessary tools to provide solutions for these issues.
Abstract: We display a number of advantages of objective collapse theories for the resolution of long-standing problems in cosmology and quantum gravity. In particular, we examine applications of objective reduction models to three important issues: the origin of the seeds of cosmic structure, the problem of time in quantum gravity and the information loss paradox; we show how reduction models contain the necessary tools to provide solutions for these issues. We wrap up with an adventurous proposal, which relates the spontaneous collapse events of objective collapse models to microscopic virtual black holes.
41 citations
Posted Content•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors make some remarks on this question and point out that certain paradoxes about collapse theories are absent if a primitive ontology is introduced, and they also show that such paradoxes are not present in collapse theories in general.
Abstract: Collapse theories are versions of quantum mechanics according to which the collapse of the wave function is a real physical process. They propose precise mathematical laws to govern this process and to replace the vague conventional prescription that a collapse occurs whenever an "observer" makes a "measurement." The "primitive ontology" of a theory (more or less what Bell called the "local beables") are the variables in the theory that represent matter in space-time. There is no consensus about whether collapse theories need to introduce a primitive ontology as part of their definition. I make some remarks on this question and point out that certain paradoxes about collapse theories are absent if a primitive ontology is introduced.
30 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a new argument supporting a gravitational role in quantum collapse was given, and a concrete model of wave function collapse in the discrete space-time was proposed, which is consistent with the existing experiments and macroscopic experiences.
Abstract: 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.
30 citations
Related Topics (5)
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2012 | 2 |