We maintain that the wavefunction is an ensemble property rather than an individual particle property. For individual particles, we propose an ontology underwritten by the Heisenberg representation. It consists of properties represented by deterministic operators, which may have nonlocal dynamics. Relying on nonlocal dynamics, we show how interference phenomena can be understood without having to conceive of the quantum state as wave-like. Nonlocal information is provided by a modular momentum operator. By augmenting the individual particle ontology with a final state and employing weak measurements, we show how both interference and which-path can be deduced for the same system. This situation is most intuitively understood through a time-symmetric Heisenberg representation. Indeed, we contend that a time-symmetric operator-based ontology captures the essence of quantum mechanics, particularly its nonlocal nature, better than any wavefunction-based ontology.
We maintain that the wavefunction is an ensemble property rather than an individual particle property. For individual particles, we propose an ontology underwritten by the Heisenberg representation. It consists of properties represented by deterministic operators, which may have nonlocal dynamics. Relying on nonlocal dynamics, we show how interference phenomena can be understood without having to conceive of the quantum state as wave-like. Nonlocal information is provided by a modular momentum operator. By augmenting the individual particle ontology with a final state and employing weak measurements, we show how both interference and which-path can be deduced for the same system. This situation is most intuitively understood through a time-symmetric Heisenberg representation. Indeed, we contend that a time-symmetric operator-based ontology captures the essence of quantum mechanics, particularly its nonlocal nature, better than any wavefunction-based ontology.
]. We rise to the challenge with an alternative to the wave function-centered interpretations: instead of a quantum wave passing through both slits, we have a localized particle with nonlocal interactions with the other slit. Key to this explanation is dynamical nonlocality, which naturally appears in the Heisenberg picture as nonlocal equations of motion. This insight led us to develop an approach to quantum mechanics which relies on pre- and postselection, weak measurements, deterministic, and modular variables. We consider those properties of a single particle that are deterministic to be primal. The Heisenberg picture allows us to specify the most complete enumeration of such deterministic properties in contrast to the Schrödinger wave function, which remains an ensemble property. We exercise this approach by analyzing a version of the double-slit experiment augmented with postselection, showing that only it and not the wave function approach can be accommodated within a time-symmetric interpretation, where interference appears even when the particle is localized. Although the Heisenberg and Schrödinger pictures are equivalent formulations, nevertheless, the framework presented here has led to insights, intuitions, and experiments that were missed from the old perspective.
We develop an approach to quantum interference phenomenon which makes the characteristics of the problem more conspicuous and brings out more physical concepts. We do this by discussing the idea of deterministic quantum experiments using the Heisenberg picture. The variables that are relevant for describing interference are modular variables. These variables obey non-local equations of motion and can be used to follow the time evolution of a system without disturbing it. We present a physical explanation for the different behaviors of a single particle when the distant slit is open or closed: instead of having a quantum wave that passes through all slits, we have a localized particle with non-local interactions with the other slit(s). While the Heisenberg picture and the Schrodinger pictures are equivalent formulations of quantum mechanics, nevertheless, the results discussed here support a new approach to quantum mechanics which has led to new insights, new intuitions, new experiments, and even the possibility of new devices that were missed from the old perspective.
All the arguments of a wavefunction are defined at the same instant, implying the notion of simultaneity. In a somewhat related matter, certain phenomena in quantum mechanics seem to have non-local causal relations. Both concepts contradict the special relativity. We propose defining the wavefunction with respect to the invariant proper time of special relativity instead of the standard time. Moreover, we shall adopt the original idea of Schrodinger, suggesting that the wavefunction represents an ontological cloud-like object that we shall call “individual fabric” that has a finite density amplitude vanishing at infinity. Consequently, the action of measurement can be assimilated to the introduction of a confining potential that triggers an inherent nonlocal mechanism within the individual fabric. This mechanism is formalised by multiplying the wavefunction with a localising Gaussian, as in the GRW theory, but in a deterministic manner.
We present a new quantum framework based entirely on Heisenberg’s operator formalism, without invoking Schrödinger wavefunctions, superposition, or collapse. Quantum effects arise from discrete, nonlocal but causal momentum and angular momentum transfers between particles and quantized interaction fields. In the double-slit experiment, interference emerges from stochastic, quantized momentum kicks delivered by cavity field modes. In the Stern–Gerlach setup, spin deflection results from quantized angular momentum exchange with a magnetic field gradient, with no need for spinor collapse. This model further explains quantum entanglement via shared nonlocal constraints imposed by quantized field modes, not spooky action or wavefunction entanglement. The framework constitutes a nonlocal hidden variable theory that is deterministic, realist, and consistent with all known quantum interference and entanglement experiments. It reproduces Bell inequality violations through physical field interactions and offers a conceptually clear alternative to conventional quantum mechanics.
We propose a quantum framework where cavity-induced nonlocal stochastic quantized momentum transfer governs double-slit interference of single eelectrons, replacing self-interference, wavefunction collapse, and Schrödinger’s wavefunction description. Using Heisenberg’s operator formalism, we model the electron’s interaction with the double slit as a quantized field potential. This approach explains interference via discrete momentum transfer through stochastic cavity modes. We explore its role as a non-local hidden-variable mechanism, predicting deviations in Bell violation, and finer discrete interference fringes in short cavity-mode wavelength regimes, opening new avenues for experimental verification. Our new interpretation of quantum dynamics sheds light on long-standing debates about quantum reality, hidden variables, wave-function superposition and Schrödinger’s cat, the illusion of self-interference of a single electron, and instantaneous wavefunction collapse misconception in the measurements. Our theory possesses the deterministic description of an electron a stochastic yet nonlocal hidden variable characteristic of the quantized cavity modes. It meets Einstein’s desire for a more complete theory and bridges the gap between physical reality and the incomplete conventional quantum theory that requires confusing Copenhagen or many-world interpretations.
We observe that there exists a presumed ontology, on the basis of which a dynamical theory is formulated. Extracting the essence of the ontology underlying classical mechanics, we revise it suitably to accommodate quantum mechanics seamlessly. The revision goes through two stages: First, we elaborate the concept of “state” as the propensity of an object to arouse events on discerners. Second, we integrate the position and momentum spaces into a single entity, related via the Fourier transform. Based on this revised ontology, quantum mechanics is deduced naturally without relying upon any artificial assumptions like the “quantum condition” or mathematical apparatuses like the Hilbert space and self-adjoint operators. In consequence, such thorny issues as the “measurement problem” are shown to either resolve or simply disappear.