4. Quantum brain theory and its neurophilosophical interpretation

Christopher Giguere

H. Valian, Hassan Bassereh, A. Barkhordari +1 more

One of the answers to the measurement problem in quantum theory is given by the Copenhagen-Interpretation of quantum theory (i.e. orthodox quantum theory) in which the wave function collapse happens in (by) the mind of observer. In fact, at first, great scientists like Von Neumann, London, Bauer and Wigner (initially) believed that the wave function collapse occurs in the brain or is caused by the consciousness of observer. However, this issue has been stayed yet very controversial. In fact, there are many challenging discussions about the survival of quantum effects in microscopic structures of the human brain, which is mainly because of quick decoherence of quantum states due to hot, wet and noisy environment of the brain that forbids long life coherence for brain processing. Nevertheless, there are also several arguments and evidences that emergence of large coherent states is feasible in the brain. In this paper, our approach is based on the latter in which macroscopic quantum states are probable in the human brain. Here, we simulate the delayed luminescence of photons in neurons with a Brassard-like teleportation circuit, i.e. equivalent to the transfer of quantum states of photons through the visual pathways from retina to the visual cortex. Indeed, our simulation considers both classical and quantum mechanical aspects of processing in neurons. As a result and based on our simulation, it is possible for our brain to receive the exact quantum states of photons in the visual cortex to be collapsed by our consciousness, which supports the Copenhagen-Interpretation of measurement problem in quantum theory.

Mari Jibu, Kunio Yasue

B. J. Carr

Two of the most profound mysteries outstanding in modern science are quantum theory and the workings of the brain. Quantum theory is already more than 100 years old, but its interpretation remains as enigmatic as ever. In the last 50 years there have been dramatic advances in neuroscience, but we still do not understand how the brain works or how consciousness arises. The Quantum Brain focuses on both of these mysteries and links them in an intriguing and perplexing way. I know of no other popular book that has attempted to cover both subjects, which is what makes this work so interesting.

Alwyn C. Scott