The continuous-spontaneous-localization (CSL) description of state-vector reduction allows one to describe reality by the state vector. The mathematical structure of the theory, based upon a c-number white-noise source interacting with the quantum system, is reviewed. Then this description is generalized in two ways. First, a generalization is made to a wide class of c-number stochastic processes: using the square root of the probability density functional of the process, it is shown how to construct an evolution equation for the state vector which results in state-vector reduction. Second, within this wider framework the c-number source is completely eliminated and replaced by quantum operators, dubbed ``index'' operators, representing new physical variables which interact with the quantum system. In this case the state vector cannot represent reality as in the previous case, but it is shown how to write it unambiguously as a sum of ``preferred basis'' states, any one of which can represent reality. Therefore this quantum theory is open to the ensemble interpretation, where ``ensemble'' refers to the collection of possible real states. Three requirements sufficient for a viable ensemble interpretation are specified. It is shown how to satisfy these requirements, obtaining a purely quantum model that is equivalent to CSL and capable of describing reality.The continuous-spontaneous-localization (CSL) description of state-vector reduction allows one to describe reality by the state vector. The mathematical structure of the theory, based upon a c-number white-noise source interacting with the quantum system, is reviewed. Then this description is generalized in two ways. First, a generalization is made to a wide class of c-number stochastic processes: using the square root of the probability density functional of the process, it is shown how to construct an evolution equation for the state vector which results in state-vector reduction. Second, within this wider framework the c-number source is completely eliminated and replaced by quantum operators, dubbed ``index'' operators, representing new physical variables which interact with the quantum system. In this case the state vector cannot represent reality as in the previous case, but it is shown how to write it unambiguously as a sum of ``preferred basis'' states, any one of which can represent reality. Therefore this quantum theory is open to the ensemble interpretation, where ``ensemble'' refers to the collection of possible real states. Three requirements sufficient for a viable ensemble interpretation are specified. It is shown how to satisfy these requirements, obtaining a purely quantum model that is equivalent to CSL and capable of describing reality.

Physical Review AAug 1, 199357 citations

Considerations on the probability density in complex space

Chia‐Chun Chou, Róbert E. Wyatt

A probability density is proposed in complex space. This probability density is defined by replacing $x$ with $z$ in the Born probability density of quantum mechanics, and it is real valued and non-negative in complex space. In addition, the Eulerian rate equation for the probability density is derived, and the rate of change of the probability density is determined by the total energy density. Furthermore, this complex-extended Born probability density correctly reflects information of the trajectory dynamics for the wave function in complex space.A probability density is proposed in complex space. This probability density is defined by replacing $x$ with $z$ in the Born probability density of quantum mechanics, and it is real valued and non-negative in complex space. In addition, the Eulerian rate equation for the probability density is derived, and the rate of change of the probability density is determined by the total energy density. Furthermore, this complex-extended Born probability density correctly reflects information of the trajectory dynamics for the wave function in complex space.

Physical Review AOct 3, 200824 citations

Quantum probability and unified approach to quantization and dynamics

Blagovest A. Nikolov

Foundations of PhysicsFeb 1, 19960 citations

The quantum laws of physics: a new description of dynamics and causality

Holger Friedrich Hofmann

It is possible to completely explain all aspects of quantum mechanics by expressing the relations between physical properties in terms of complex conditional probabilities (Phys. Rev. A 89, 042115(2014)). These fully deterministic probabilities replace the classical notions of phase space geometries and continuous trajectories with a more accurate description that takes into account the role of dynamics in the emergence of reality. We can then understand why so many previous attempts to find a detailed explanation of quantum phenomena have failed: the assumption of a static reality breaks down when the interaction needed to obtain a real effect exceeds Planck`s constant. Beyond that limit, complex conditional probabilities are the only valid expression of the fundamental laws of physics.It is possible to completely explain all aspects of quantum mechanics by expressing the relations between physical properties in terms of complex conditional probabilities (Phys. Rev. A 89, 042115(2014)). These fully deterministic probabilities replace the classical notions of phase space geometries and continuous trajectories with a more accurate description that takes into account the role of dynamics in the emergence of reality. We can then understand why so many previous attempts to find a detailed explanation of quantum phenomena have failed: the assumption of a static reality breaks down when the interaction needed to obtain a real effect exceeds Planck`s constant. Beyond that limit, complex conditional probabilities are the only valid expression of the fundamental laws of physics.

arXiv:1405.0053Apr 30, 20140 citations

A probability density is proposed in complex space. This probability density is defined by replacing

x

with

z

in the Born probability density of quantum mechanics, and it is real valued and non-negative in complex space. In addition, the Eulerian rate equation for the probability density is derived, and the rate of change of the probability density is determined by the total energy density. Furthermore, this complex-extended Born probability density correctly reflects information of the trajectory dynamics for the wave function in complex space.