Abstract The fact that the “probability density” expression provided by the Klein–Gordon equation can take on negative values is usually seen as an obstacle to formulating a particle interpretation of quantum mechanics. Nevertheless, reconciling this expression with a particle ontology is quite possible once a careful distinction is drawn between the outcomes of measurements and the positions of particles between measurements. Following this path, however, points to the involvement of retrocausality, as proposed by various authors in other contexts.
Abstract The fact that the “probability density” expression provided by the Klein–Gordon equation can take on negative values is usually seen as an obstacle to formulating a particle interpretation of quantum mechanics. Nevertheless, reconciling this expression with a particle ontology is quite possible once a careful distinction is drawn between the outcomes of measurements and the positions of particles between measurements. Following this path, however, points to the involvement of retrocausality, as proposed by various authors in other contexts.
As currently understood since its discovery, the bare Klein-Gordon theory consists of negative quantum probabilities which are considered to be physically meaningless if not outright obsolete. Despite this annoying setback, these negative probabilities are what led the great Paul Dirac in 1928 to the esoteric discovery of the Dirac Equation. The Dirac Equation led to one of the greatest advances in our understanding of the physical world. In this reading, we ask the seemingly senseless question, “Do negative probabilities exist in quantum mechanics?” In an effort to answer this question, we arrive at the conclusion that depending on the choice one makes of the quantum probability current, one will obtain negative probabilities. We thus propose a new quantum probability current of the Klein-Gordon theory. This quantum probability current leads directly to positive definite quantum probabilities. Because these negative probabilities are in the bare Klein-Gordon theory, intrinsically a result of negative energies, the fact that we here arrive at a theory with positive probabilities, means that negative energy particles are not to be considered problematic as is the case in the bare Klein-Gordon theory. From an abstract—objective stand-point; in comparison with positive energy particles, the corollary is that negative energy particles should have equal chances to exist. As to why these negative energy particles do not exist, this is analogous to asking why is it that Dirac’s antimatter does not exist in equal proportions with matter. This problem of why negative energy particles do not exist in equal proportions with positive energy particles is a problem that needs to be solved by a future theory.
As currently understood since its discovery, the bare Klein-Gordon theory consists of negative quantum probabilities which are considered to be physically meaningless if not outright obsolete. Despite this annoying setback, these negative probabilities are what led the great Paul Dirac in 1928 to the esoteric discovery of the Dirac equation. The Dirac equation led to one of the greatest advances in our understanding of the physical World. In this reading, we ask the seemingly senseless question, �Do negative probabilities exist in quantum mechanics?��. In an effort to answer this question, we arrive at the conclusion that depending on the choice one makes of the quantum probability current, one will obtain negative probabilities. We thus propose a new quantum probability current of the Klein-Gordon theory. This quantum probability current leads directly to positive definite quantum probabilities. Because these negative probabilities are in the bare Klein-Gordon theory, intrinsically a result of negative energies, the fact that we-here arrive at a theory with positive probabilities, it means that negative energy particles are not to be considered problematic as is the case in the bare Klein-Gordon theory. From an abstract-objective stand-point; in comparison with positive energy particles, the corollary is that negative energy particles should have equal chances to exist. As to why these negative energy particles do not exist, this is redolent to asking why is it that Dirac�s antimatter does not exist in equal proportions with matter. This problem of why negative energy particles not exist in equal proportions with positive energy particles is a problem that needs to be solved by a future theory.
A detailed consideration of the Klein-Gordon equation in relativistic quantum mechanics is presented in order to offer more clarity than many standard approaches. The equation is frequently employed in the research literature, even though problems have often been raised regarding its second-order nature, the status of its negative-energy solutions and the formulation of particle density and flux. Most of these problems can be avoided by dismissing the negative-energy solutions. An application of the equation to a broad wave-packet shows that a small amendment to the usual relativistic formalism can be helpful to demonstrate continuity with the non-relativistic case, although difficulties remain when the proposed quantum state has a broad relativistic energy distribution.
It is shown that the alternative Klein-Gordon equation with positive definite probability density proposed in a letter by M.D. Kostin does not meet the requirements of relativistic (quantum) field theory and therefore does not allow for a meaningful physical interpretation. PACS code: 11.10.-z Keywords: Klein-Gordon equation, relativistic field theory. 2 The alternative formulation of the Klein-Gordon equation [1, 2] proposed by M.D. Kostin reads [3] i¯h ∂φ ∂t = +mc2φ + c ( ˆ⃗p ⃗ ψ) (1) i¯h ∂ ⃗ ψ ∂t = −mc2 ⃗ ψ + c ˆ ⃗pφ, (2) where φ(⃗r,t) and ⃗ ψ(⃗r,t) are ’scalar ’ and ’vector ’ probability amplitudes, respectively, and ˆ ⃗p = −i¯h ⃗ ∇. Defining the probability density P = φ ∗ φ + ( ⃗ ψ ∗ ⃗ ψ) (3) and the probability current density one readily derives the probability conservation equation ⃗S = c(φ ∗ ⃗ ψ + φ ⃗ ψ
Following de Broglie, Bohm, and others, it is assumed that quantum mechanics may be interpreted causally and that the $\ensuremath{\psi}$ function plays the role of a generating function for particle trajectories. By arguing that the $\ensuremath{\psi}$ function should not be interpreted as a probability amplitude, a new method for generating particle trajectories is postulated. The four-momentum of a scalar particle is assumed to be given as the gradient of an unspecified function $F(\ensuremath{\psi})$, where $\ensuremath{\psi}$ is a pure real solution of the Klein-Gordon equation. Since the location of a particle is determined solely by its trajectory, the probability distribution differs from $\ensuremath{\psi}{\ensuremath{\psi}}^{*}$; and therefore, ordinary experimental results differing from the traditional theory may, in principle, be predicted. Particle motion and trajectories are discussed for three examples: a free particle, a particle in a box, and the double slit.
A covariant generalization of a non-relativistic stochastic quantum mechanics introduced by de la Peña and Cetto is formulated. The analysis is done in space-time and avoids the use of a non-covariant time evolution parameter in order to search for Lorentz invariance. The covariant form of the set of iterative equations for the joint coordinate and momentum distribution function Q(x,p) is derived and expanded in power series of the charge of the particle. Then, solutions of the zeroth order in the charge of the iterative equations for Q(x,p) are considered. For them, it follows that the space-time probability density ρ(x) and the function S(x) which gradient defines the mean value of the momentum at the space time point x, define a complex function ψ(x) which exactly satisfies the Klein-Gordon (KG) equation. It is argued that when the KG solution is either of positive or negative energy, the total number of particles conserves in the random motion. It follows that the total number of particles conserves when ψ(x) composed alternatively of pure positive or negative energy modes. In addition, solutions for the joint distribution function in lowest order, satisfying the positive condition are also found. They suggests a possible link with the Couder's experiments on droplet movements over oscillating liquid surfaces.