Probability is an important question in the ontological interpretation of quantum mechanics. It has been discussed in some trajectory interpretations such as Bohmian mechanics and stochastic mechanics. New questions arise when the probability domain extends to the complex space, including the generation of complex trajectory, the definition of the complex probability, and the relation of the complex probability to the quantum probability. The complex treatment proposed in this article applies the optimal quantum guidance law to derive the stochastic differential equation governing a particle’s random motion in the complex plane. The probability distribution ρc(t,x,y) of the particle’s position over the complex plane z=x+iy is formed by an ensemble of the complex quantum random trajectories, which are solved from the complex stochastic differential equation. Meanwhile, the probability distribution ρc(t,x,y) is verified by the solution of the complex Fokker–Planck equation. It is shown that quantum probability |Ψ|2 and classical probability can be integrated under the framework of complex probability ρc(t,x,y), such that they can both be derived from ρc(t,x,y) by different statistical ways of collecting spatial points.Probability is an important question in the ontological interpretation of quantum mechanics. It has been discussed in some trajectory interpretations such as Bohmian mechanics and stochastic mechanics. New questions arise when the probability domain extends to the complex space, including the generation of complex trajectory, the definition of the complex probability, and the relation of the complex probability to the quantum probability. The complex treatment proposed in this article applies the optimal quantum guidance law to derive the stochastic differential equation governing a particle’s random motion in the complex plane. The probability distribution ρc(t,x,y) of the particle’s position over the complex plane z=x+iy is formed by an ensemble of the complex quantum random trajectories, which are solved from the complex stochastic differential equation. Meanwhile, the probability distribution ρc(t,x,y) is verified by the solution of the complex Fokker–Planck equation. It is shown that quantum probability |Ψ|2 and classical probability can be integrated under the framework of complex probability ρc(t,x,y), such that they can both be derived from ρc(t,x,y) by different statistical ways of collecting spatial points.

arXiv:2103.05518EntropyFeb 8, 20219 citations

3. The Independence of Complex Probabilities

Michael Strevens

Harvard University Press eBooksDec 31, 20030 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

Information entropy of complex probability

Chan Li, Hui Xu, Zhu Cao

Probability theory is fundamental for modeling uncertainty, with traditional probabilities being real and non-negative. Complex probability extends this concept by allowing complex-valued probabilities, opening new avenues for analysis in various fields. This paper explores the information-theoretic aspects of complex probability, focusing on its definition, properties, and applications. We extend Shannon entropy to complex probability and examine key properties, including maximum entropy, joint entropy, conditional entropy, equilibration, and cross entropy. These results offer a framework for understanding entropy in complex probability spaces and have potential applications in fields such as statistical mechanics and information theory.Probability theory is fundamental for modeling uncertainty, with traditional probabilities being real and non-negative. Complex probability extends this concept by allowing complex-valued probabilities, opening new avenues for analysis in various fields. This paper explores the information-theoretic aspects of complex probability, focusing on its definition, properties, and applications. We extend Shannon entropy to complex probability and examine key properties, including maximum entropy, joint entropy, conditional entropy, equilibration, and cross entropy. These results offer a framework for understanding entropy in complex probability spaces and have potential applications in fields such as statistical mechanics and information theory.

arXiv:2503.03759Feb 19, 20250 citations

On the law of composition of probabilities

E.G. Eberle

Lettere al nuovo cimento della societa italiana di fisica/Lettere al nuovo cimentoSep 1, 19831 citation

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.