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Philosophy of Science

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics through Frame-Dependent Constructions

Jeffrey Alan Barrett

Published Dec 1, 2005• 28 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the possibility and nature of relativistic hidden-variable formulations of quantum mechanics. Both ad hoc teleological constructions and frame-dependent constructions of spacetime maps are considered. While frame-dependent constructions are clearly preferable, a many-maps theory based on such constructions fails to provide dynamical explanations for local quantum events. Here the hidden-variable dynamics used in the frame-dependent constructions is just a rule that serves to characterize the set of all possible spacetime maps. While not having dynamical explanations of the values of quantum-mechanical measurement records is a significant cost, it may prove too much to ask for dynamical explanations in relativistic quantum mechanics.

DOI
10.1086/508948

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This paper is concerned with the possibility and nature of relativistic hidden-variable formulations of quantum mechanics. Both ad hoc teleological constructions and frame-dependent constructions of spacetime maps are considered. While frame-dependent constructions are clearly preferable, a many-maps theory based on such constructions fails to provide dynamical explanations for local quantum events. Here the hidden-variable dynamics used in the frame-dependent constructions is just a rule that serves to characterize the set of all possible spacetime maps. While not having dynamical explanations of the values of quantum-mechanical measurement records is a significant cost, it may prove too much to ask for dynamical explanations in relativistic quantum mechanics.
We demonstrate how to construct a Lorentz-invariant, hidden-variable interpretation of relativistic quantum mechanics based on particle trajectories. The covariant theory that we propose employs a multi-time formalism and a Lorentz-invariant rule for the coordination of the spacetime points on the individual particle trajectories. In this way we show that there is no contradiction between non-locality and Lorentz-invariance in quantum mechanics. The approach is illustrated for relativistic bosons, using a simple model to discuss the individual non-locally correlated particle motion which ensues when the wavefunction is entangled. A simple example of measurement is described.
We demonstrate how to construct a lorentz-invariant, hidden-variable interpretation of relativistic quantum mechanics based on particle trajectories. The covariant theory that we propose employs a multi-time formalism and a lorentz-invariant rule for the coordination of the space-time points on the individual particle trajectories. In this way we show that there is no contradiction between nonlocality and lorentz invariance in quantum mechanics. The approach is illustrated for relativistic bosons, using a simple model to discuss the individual non-locally correlated particle motion which ensues when the wavefunction is entangled. A simple example of measurement is described.
There are two issues concerning hidden variables in quantum mechanics: 1.Whether the outcomes of quantum measurements are hidden variables has long been debated. Experiments violating Bell's inequalities have essentially refuted local hidden variable theories. 2.Quantum entanglement provides nonlocal effects that alter wave functions. However, these changes cannot transmit signals, making the exact time of such nonlocal effects a hidden variable. Theories about hidden variables are difficult to verify experimentally due to their unobservability. This paper connects these two hidden variable theories in quantum mechanics, proposing the spacetime relationship that nonlocal effects from entanglement must satisfy to prevent quantum measurement outcomes from being local hidden variables. It further outlines the spacetime relationship that any causal effects should adhere to. Based on this, the paper demonstrates the universal temporal order between relativistic spacelike events. On this foundation, it integrates the locally deterministic relativistic spacetime structure with the nonlocal phenomena of probabilistic quantum mechanics, thereby establishing the universal ordered spacetime structure.
The theories of special relativity and quantum mechanics both rely on continuous rotation groups to describe physical systems, yet one is formulated on a real spacetime manifold while the other employs a complex Hilbert space. This work investigates whether this distinction may arise from the treatment of time itself. By examining the consequences of describing a relativistic system using a single global time parameter, we explore whether such a description naturally requires a mathematical structure capable of encoding observer-dependent proper times as complex phase information. Within this framework, quantum superposition is investigated as a possible coordinate-level representation of unresolved relativistic frame assignments, while wavefunction collapse is conceptualised as the physical resolution of this ambiguity through interaction. exploring whether aspects of the quantum formalism may be understood as consequences of describing the invariant structure of Minkowski spacetime from a local perspective using a rigid notion of time.
Does the measurement of a quantum system necessarily break Lorentz invariance? We present a simple model of a detector that measures the spacetime localization of a relativistic particle in a Lorentz invariant manner. The detector does not select a preferred Lorentz frame as a Newton-Wigner measurement would do. The result indicates that there exists a Lorentz invariant notion of quantum measurement and sheds light on the issue of the localization of a relativistic particle. The framework considered is that of single-particle mechanics as opposed to field theory. The result may be taken as support for the interpretation postulate of the spacetime-states formulation of single-particle quantum theory.
A simple relativistic quantum hidden-variable theory of particle trajectories, similar to the Bohm theory but without nonlocal forces between the particles, is proposed. To provide compatibility with statistical predictions of quantum mechanics one needs to assume the initial probability density |psi|^2 of particle positions in spacetime, which is the only source of nonlocality in the theory. This demonstrates that the usual Bohm hidden-variable theory contains much more nonlocality than required by the Bell theorem.