Abstract An alternative interpretation to Bohm’s ‘quantum force’ and ‘active information’ is proposed. Numerical evidence is presented, which suggests that the time series of Bohm’s ‘quantum force’ evaluated at the Bohmian position for non-stationary quantum states are typically non-Gaussian stable distributed with a flat power spectrum in classically chaotic Hamitonian systems. An important implication of these statistical properties is briefly mentioned
Abstract An alternative interpretation to Bohm’s ‘quantum force’ and ‘active information’ is proposed. Numerical evidence is presented, which suggests that the time series of Bohm’s ‘quantum force’ evaluated at the Bohmian position for non-stationary quantum states are typically non-Gaussian stable distributed with a flat power spectrum in classically chaotic Hamitonian systems. An important implication of these statistical properties is briefly mentioned
New insight into the nature of Bohm's quantum force is presented. Based on our numerical study, we conclude that, for the kicked pendulum, Bohm's quantum-force time-series for nonstationary states is typically or generically non-Gaussian stable distributed with a flat power spectrum. For fixed system parameters and initial wave function, the stable parameters and the constant value of the power spectrum are independent of the initial Bohmian angle. We conjecture that these properties of the quantum-force time-series are also typical or generic for other classically chaotic Hamiltonian dynamical systems since the kicked pendulum is a prototypical member of this class of systems. A new method of calculating the quantum probability density of a particle's position implied by these quantum-force properties is described.
The nature of the stochastic process defined by Bohm's momentum is elucidated for stationary energy eigenstates and nonstationary states in classically nonchaotic and chaotic Hamiltonian systems. In addition, the nature of the stochastic process defined by Bohm's quantum force is elucidated for stationary energy eigenstates in nonchaotic and chaotic systems, and for nonstationary states in nonchaotic systems. From these results, the following can be concluded. For stationary energy eigenstates, the process defined by the momentum is generically a stationary, Dirac-delta process in both nonchaotic and chaotic systems; in contrast, the process defined by the quantum force is nongeneric. For nonstationary states, the processes defined by the momentum and quantum force are both nongeneric in nonchaotic systems. Furthermore, for nonstationary states, the process defined by the momentum is, with a high level of confidence, a stationary, stable, brown ${(f}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ power spectrum) process in the chaotic kicked pendulum. It is conjectured that this is also true for other chaotic systems. The preceding conclusion and conjecture complement those in [Phys. Rev. A 63, 042105 (2001)] for the process defined by the quantum force for nonstationary states in chaotic systems.
In this article, a causal model on the basis of trajectory is introduced for description of quantum systems. This theory is structurally very similar to Bohme mechanics, and like Bohme theory reproduces all statistical consequences of standard quantum mechanics. Particle trajectories in this model are different from anticipated ones by Bohme model. Quantum potential (force) form, which is given, is different from Bohme theory. Actually, this model will convert to Bohme theory by annihilating the free parameter ( μ ). Theoretical properties of this model are investigated in the same way as Galilean invariance. Also, a precise comparison between this theory and Bohme mechanics is made, and some suggestions are presented (through transit time distribution) for experimental distinction between these two models. Finally, extension of this theory is investigated
The ontological aspect of Bohmian mechanics, as a hidden-variable theory that provides us with an objective description of a quantum world without observers, is widely known. Yet its practicality is getting more and more acceptance and relevance, for it has proven to be an efficient and useful resource to tackle, explore, describe and explain such phenomena. This practical aspect emerges precisely when the pragmatic application of the formalism prevails over any other interpretational question, still a matter of debate and controversy. In this regard, the purpose here is to show and discuss how Bohmian mechanics emphasizes in a natural manner a series of dynamical features difficult to find out through other quantum approaches. This arises from the fact that Bohmian mechanics allows us to establish a direct link between the dynamics exhibited by quantum systems and the local variations of the quantum phase associated with their state. To illustrate these facts, simple models of two physically insightful quantum phenomena have been chosen, namely, the dispersion of a free Gaussian wave packet and Young-type two-slit interference. As it is shown, the outcomes from their analysis render a novel, alternative understanding of the dynamics displayed by these quantum phenomena in terms of the underlying local velocity field that connects the probability density with the quantum flux. This field, nothing but the so-called guidance condition in standard Bohmian mechanics, thus acquires a prominent role to understand quantum dynamics, as the mechanism responsible for such dynamics. This goes beyond the passive role typically assigned to this field in Bohmian mechanics, where traditionally trajectories and quantum potentials have received more attention instead.
Recently, it has been shown that the quantum equilibrium distribution in the original Bohm's model is unstable and so it isn't a tenable physical theory [Proc. R. Soc. A 470 20140288 (2014)]. In this paper we show that a natural modification of the Bohm's quantum force leads to a stable quantum equilibrium without any change to statistical predictions of this model in equilibrium state. Moreover, it is shown that an initial non-equilibrium phase space distribution relaxes to equilibrium distribution via a coarse grained H-theorem. But before end of the relaxation process, for example in the early universe, this modified quantum force can lead to the new predictions beyond standard quantum mechanics.
Since its inception Bohmian mechanics has been generally regarded as a hidden-variable theory aimed at providing an objective description of quantum phenomena. To date, this rather narrow conception of Bohm’s proposal has caused it more rejection than acceptance. Now, after 65 years of Bohmian mechanics, should still be such an interpretational aspect the prevailing appraisal? Why not favoring a more pragmatic view, as a legitimate picture of quantum mechanics, on equal footing in all respects with any other more conventional quantum picture? These questions are used here to introduce a discussion on an alternative way to deal with Bohmian mechanics at present, enhancing its aspect as an efficient and useful picture or formulation to tackle, explore, describe and explain quantum phenomena where phase and correlation ( entanglement ) are key elements. This discussion is presented through two complementary blocks. The first block is aimed at briefly revisiting the historical context that gave rise to the appearance of Bohmian mechanics, and how this approach or analogous ones have been used in different physical contexts. This discussion is used to emphasize a more pragmatic view to the detriment of the more conventional hidden-variable (ontological) approach that has been a leitmotif within the quantum foundations. The second block focuses on some particular formal aspects of Bohmian mechanics supporting the view presented here, with special emphasis on the physical meaning of the local phase field and the associated velocity field encoded within the wave function. As an illustration, a simple model of Young’s two-slit experiment is considered. The simplicity of this model allows to understand in an easy manner how the information conveyed by the Bohmian formulation relates to other more conventional concepts in quantum mechanics. This sort of pedagogical application is also aimed at showing the potential interest to introduce Bohmian mechanics in undergraduate quantum mechanics courses as a working tool rather than merely an alternative interpretation.