Quantum gravity and the collapse of the wavefunction

Shan Gao

T. P. Singh

C. S. Unnikrishnan, G. T. Gillies

The speculation that gravity is the key to solving the quantum measurement problem has been alive for decades, without any convincing demonstration of a solution. One necessary factor in the relevant proposals is that the gravitational energy of mutual interaction, which scales quadratically with the mass, facilitates the spontaneous collapse of the wavefunctions in spatially separated superpositions. Relying on a simple physical input from electrodynamics, supported by robust first principle calculations, we show that the speculations connecting gravity and the hypothetical spontaneous collapse of the wavefunction are inconsistent and not tenable. The result suggests that the gravitational solution to the problem of the collapse of the wavefunction be put to rest.

Mario Castagnino, C. D'Negri

Edgar Shaghoulian

The measurement problem in quantum mechanics is almost exclusively discussed in situations where gravity is ignored. We discuss some recent developments in our understanding of quantum gravity and argue that they significantly alter the problem. Quantum gravity may even resolve one of the thorniest questions in discussions of the measurement problem: who collapses the wavefunction of the entire universe?

Claus Kiefer