Quantum Mechanics, Nonlinear Dynamics, and Correlated Statistical Mechanics
Wm. C. McHarris
Many of the so‐called paradoxes of orthodox quantum mechanics can be shown to have parallel, more logical interpretations in the realm of nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory. Among these are violations of Bell‐type inequalities, which in comparing “classical” mechanics with quantum mechanics implicitly compare uncorrelated and correlated statistics. During the past decade research in the field of nonextensive thermodynamics (including Tsallis entropy) has demonstrated the existence of many statistical correlations in classical, nonlinear systems. When such correlations exist, the conventional classical upper limit on statistical correlations in Bell‐type experiments can easily be raised to overlap with quantum mechanical predictions involving correlated states such as the Bell singlet state, a favorite for deriving Bell inequalities. Thus, arguments based on experimental violations of Bell‐type inequalities, which rule out the existence of “local reality,” become moot. Perhaps quantum mechanics does have a deterministic, ontological basis, albeit one based in nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory. If so, deterministic chaos could provide Einstein’s longed‐for fundamental determinism, but because chaotic systems must be interpreted statistically, this also fits in quite well with the ideas of Bohr — Einstein and Bohr both could have been correct! It should be emphasized that the concept of nonlinear dynamics and chaos underpinning quantum mechanics does not involve hidden variables, nor does the fact that chaos is deterministic interlope on the existence of free will.
AIP conference proceedings•Jan 1, 2007•0 citations