Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:2509.07206

Locality, Micro- vs. Macro-, Particle Interpretations and All That: A Lagrangian Approach to the Measurement Problem

W. David Wick

Published Sep 8, 2025• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

In 2017, this author proposed, as a resolution of the Measurement Problem, that terms be added to Schrodinger's wavefunction equation, rendering it nonlinear. Said equation derived from a trick employed by S. Weinberg in 1989 which may be unfamiliar to most physicists, as well as uninterpretable in terms of local ("particle") interactions. Motivated by A. O. Barut's work on electrodynamics, here I analyze which kinds of nonlinear theories can be derived from Lagrangian field-theory by integrating out some fields. The issues of "What is a local interaction?" and "Might there be Micro- and Macro-fields?" arise. In the end, I will argue that my 2017 theory cannot be given a "particle" interpretation, nor be derived from a splitting into the two categories of fields.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.2509.07206

Related papers

Perceptions of the Schrodinger Equation

Spyros Efthimiades

The Schrodinger equation has been considered to be a postulate of quantum physics, but it is also perceived and derived heuristically as the quantum equivalent of the classical energy relation. We indicate that the Schrodinger equation cannot be a physical postulate, and we show that the heuristic derivations wrongly consider that the particle kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the momentum operator acting on the wavefunction. The correct term is proportional to the square of the momentum. Analyzing particle interactions, we realize that particles have multiple virtual motions and that each motion is accompanied by a wave that has constant amplitude. Accordingly, we define the wavefunction as the superposition of the virtual waves of the particle. As a result, quantum mechanics becomes a local and global theory, while in the traditional formulation it is a local theory. In several interaction settings we can tell what particle motions arise and explain the outcomes in simple and tangible terms. Most importantly, the mathematical foundation of quantum mechanics becomes clear and justified, and we derive the Schrodinger, Dirac, etc. equations as the conditions the wavefunction must satisfy at each space-time point in order to fulfill the respective total energy equation.

arXiv:1307.6108•Bulletin of the American Physical Society•Jul 23, 2013•0 citations

Single universe or multiple universes

Muhammad Suhail Zubairy

Abstract There is a consensus among physicists about the outcome of any experiment. However, there continues to be discussion about the interpretation of these results. At the heart of this discussion is the so-called measurement problem. The interaction of the particles with the measurement apparatus forms the measurement problem that has haunted physicists since the very early days of quantum mechanics. The problem is that quantum mechanics only describes the evolution of the wavefunction with time, but does not answer about the interaction with the measurement apparatus. These issues, related to the measurement problem, have led physicists to come up with different interpretations. Many possibilities are discussed. One of the most amazing resolutions of the measurement problem is via the possibility of the existence of multiple universes. This many-worlds approach is a desperate attempt to solve the measurement problem.

•Sep 14, 2023•0 citations

Interpretations of Quantum Theory: A Map of Madness

Adán Cabello

Motivated by some recent news, a journalist asks a group of physicists: "What's the meaning of the violation of Bell's inequality?" One physicist answers: "It means that non-locality is an established fact". Another says: "There is no non-locality; the message is that measurement outcomes are irreducibly random". A third one says: "It cannot be answered simply on purely physical grounds, the answer requires an act of metaphysical judgement". Puzzled by the answers, the journalist keeps asking questions about quantum theory: "What is teleported in quantum teleportation?" "How does a quantum computer really work?" Shockingly, for each of these questions, the journalist obtains a variety of answers which, in many cases, are mutually exclusive. At the end of the day, the journalist asks: "How do you plan to make progress if, after 90 years of quantum theory, you still don't know what it means? How can you possibly identify the physical principles of quantum theory or expand quantum theory into gravity if you don't agree on what quantum theory is about?" Here we argue that it is becoming urgent to solve this too long lasting problem. For that, we point out that the interpretations of quantum theory are, essentially, of two types and that these two types are so radically different that there must be experiments that, when analyzed outside the framework of quantum theory, lead to different empirically testable predictions. Arguably, even if these experiments do not end the discussion, they will add new elements to the list of strange properties that some interpretations must have, therefore they will indirectly support those interpretations that do not need to have all these strange properties.

arXiv:1509.04711•Cambridge University Press eBooks•Apr 24, 2017•92 citations

A General Theory of Micro and Macro Mechanics in Complex Vector Space: Applications to Quantum Theory and Gravitation

Kundeti Muralidhar

A new pre-quantum level physical theory underlying the quantum mechanics has been developed and its epistemological features are mainly derived from the fluctuating classical electromagnetic zeropoint field which induces random oscillations on charged particle. In complex vector space, the average random oscillations of the charged particle are treated as complex rotations so that a particle has extended structure. It is found that the quantum nature of particles arises from the superposition of internal oscillations on the center of mass motion. Using Lagrangian mechanics in complex vector space, a generalized Newton’s equation is derived and which is shown to be acceptable for both micro and macro mechanics. The generalized Newton’s equation contains additional relativistic terms at the micro level. Further, a complex Hamilton-Jacobi equation is derived and which is used to solve quantum mechanical problems in classical approach. The presence of zeropoint field also produces modifications in the central potential and the additional terms are responsible for the effects like advance of planets perihelion and deflection of light near massive objects at macro level. Further, in the case of atoms such terms lead to the estimation of Lamb shift using stochastic electrodynamics. The consideration of extended particle structure in stochastic electrodynamics allows deriving mass correction and charge correction and consequently the estimation of anomalous magnetic moment. The fundamental deeper level theory developed here, may further enhance the efforts for research connecting micro and macro aspects of matter. Keywords: Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, Geometric Algebra, Stochastic Electrodynamics, Zeropoint Energy, Gravitation. DOI : 10.7176/APTA/88-04 Publication date : June28th 2024

Advances in physics theories and applications•Jun 1, 2024•0 citations

From Micro to Macro: A Solution to the Measurement Problem of Quantum Mechanics

Jeffrey Bub

Philosophical debate on the measurement problem of quantum mechanics has, for the most part, been confined to the non-relativistic version of the theory. Quantizing quantum field theory, or making quantum mechanics relativistic, yields a conceptual framework capable of dealing with the creation and annihilation of an indefinite number of particles in interaction with fields, i.e. quantum systems with an infinite number of degrees of freedom. I want to show that a solution to the standard measurement problem is available if we exploit the properties of the infinite quantum models available in this broader conceptual framework. There is a qualitative difference between quantum systems with an infinite number of degrees of freedom and quantum systems with a finite number of degrees of freedom. In the infinite case, there exist many unitarily inequivalent irreducible Hilbert space representations of the algebra of observables of the system. In the finite case, there is only one such representation.

PSA Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association•Jan 1, 1988•19 citations

The Particle-Operator and Particle States in Quantum Field Theory

Minoru Omote, S. Kamefuchi

By using the method of particle-operators, proposed previously, we examine the problem of particle states (spatially localized) with emphasis upon the relativistic case. A physical interpretation is also given of the results which seem to contradict locality, covariance and causality.

CRC Press eBooks•Nov 30, 2003•0 citations
In 2017, this author proposed, as a resolution of the Measurement Problem, that terms be added to Schrodinger's wavefunction equation, rendering it nonlinear. Said equation derived from a trick employed by S. Weinberg in 1989 which may be unfamiliar to most physicists, as well as uninterpretable in terms of local ("particle") interactions. Motivated by A. O. Barut's work on electrodynamics, here I analyze which kinds of nonlinear theories can be derived from Lagrangian field-theory by integrating out some fields. The issues of "What is a local interaction?" and "Might there be Micro- and Macro-fields?" arise. In the end, I will argue that my 2017 theory cannot be given a "particle" interpretation, nor be derived from a splitting into the two categories of fields.
The Schrodinger equation has been considered to be a postulate of quantum physics, but it is also perceived and derived heuristically as the quantum equivalent of the classical energy relation. We indicate that the Schrodinger equation cannot be a physical postulate, and we show that the heuristic derivations wrongly consider that the particle kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the momentum operator acting on the wavefunction. The correct term is proportional to the square of the momentum. Analyzing particle interactions, we realize that particles have multiple virtual motions and that each motion is accompanied by a wave that has constant amplitude. Accordingly, we define the wavefunction as the superposition of the virtual waves of the particle. As a result, quantum mechanics becomes a local and global theory, while in the traditional formulation it is a local theory. In several interaction settings we can tell what particle motions arise and explain the outcomes in simple and tangible terms. Most importantly, the mathematical foundation of quantum mechanics becomes clear and justified, and we derive the Schrodinger, Dirac, etc. equations as the conditions the wavefunction must satisfy at each space-time point in order to fulfill the respective total energy equation.
Abstract There is a consensus among physicists about the outcome of any experiment. However, there continues to be discussion about the interpretation of these results. At the heart of this discussion is the so-called measurement problem. The interaction of the particles with the measurement apparatus forms the measurement problem that has haunted physicists since the very early days of quantum mechanics. The problem is that quantum mechanics only describes the evolution of the wavefunction with time, but does not answer about the interaction with the measurement apparatus. These issues, related to the measurement problem, have led physicists to come up with different interpretations. Many possibilities are discussed. One of the most amazing resolutions of the measurement problem is via the possibility of the existence of multiple universes. This many-worlds approach is a desperate attempt to solve the measurement problem.
Motivated by some recent news, a journalist asks a group of physicists: "What's the meaning of the violation of Bell's inequality?" One physicist answers: "It means that non-locality is an established fact". Another says: "There is no non-locality; the message is that measurement outcomes are irreducibly random". A third one says: "It cannot be answered simply on purely physical grounds, the answer requires an act of metaphysical judgement". Puzzled by the answers, the journalist keeps asking questions about quantum theory: "What is teleported in quantum teleportation?" "How does a quantum computer really work?" Shockingly, for each of these questions, the journalist obtains a variety of answers which, in many cases, are mutually exclusive. At the end of the day, the journalist asks: "How do you plan to make progress if, after 90 years of quantum theory, you still don't know what it means? How can you possibly identify the physical principles of quantum theory or expand quantum theory into gravity if you don't agree on what quantum theory is about?" Here we argue that it is becoming urgent to solve this too long lasting problem. For that, we point out that the interpretations of quantum theory are, essentially, of two types and that these two types are so radically different that there must be experiments that, when analyzed outside the framework of quantum theory, lead to different empirically testable predictions. Arguably, even if these experiments do not end the discussion, they will add new elements to the list of strange properties that some interpretations must have, therefore they will indirectly support those interpretations that do not need to have all these strange properties.
A new pre-quantum level physical theory underlying the quantum mechanics has been developed and its epistemological features are mainly derived from the fluctuating classical electromagnetic zeropoint field which induces random oscillations on charged particle. In complex vector space, the average random oscillations of the charged particle are treated as complex rotations so that a particle has extended structure. It is found that the quantum nature of particles arises from the superposition of internal oscillations on the center of mass motion. Using Lagrangian mechanics in complex vector space, a generalized Newton’s equation is derived and which is shown to be acceptable for both micro and macro mechanics. The generalized Newton’s equation contains additional relativistic terms at the micro level. Further, a complex Hamilton-Jacobi equation is derived and which is used to solve quantum mechanical problems in classical approach. The presence of zeropoint field also produces modifications in the central potential and the additional terms are responsible for the effects like advance of planets perihelion and deflection of light near massive objects at macro level. Further, in the case of atoms such terms lead to the estimation of Lamb shift using stochastic electrodynamics. The consideration of extended particle structure in stochastic electrodynamics allows deriving mass correction and charge correction and consequently the estimation of anomalous magnetic moment. The fundamental deeper level theory developed here, may further enhance the efforts for research connecting micro and macro aspects of matter. Keywords: Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, Geometric Algebra, Stochastic Electrodynamics, Zeropoint Energy, Gravitation. DOI : 10.7176/APTA/88-04 Publication date : June28th 2024
Philosophical debate on the measurement problem of quantum mechanics has, for the most part, been confined to the non-relativistic version of the theory. Quantizing quantum field theory, or making quantum mechanics relativistic, yields a conceptual framework capable of dealing with the creation and annihilation of an indefinite number of particles in interaction with fields, i.e. quantum systems with an infinite number of degrees of freedom. I want to show that a solution to the standard measurement problem is available if we exploit the properties of the infinite quantum models available in this broader conceptual framework. There is a qualitative difference between quantum systems with an infinite number of degrees of freedom and quantum systems with a finite number of degrees of freedom. In the infinite case, there exist many unitarily inequivalent irreducible Hilbert space representations of the algebra of observables of the system. In the finite case, there is only one such representation.