Problem of Existence of Quantum Waves

Claus Kiefer

I address the question whether the wave function in quantum theory exists as a real (ontic) quantity or not. For this purpose, I discuss the essentials of the quantum formalism and emphasize the central role of the superposition principle. I then explain the measurement problem and discuss the process of decoherence. Finally, I address the special features that the quantization of gravity brings into the game. From all of this I conclude that the wave function really exists, that is, it is a real (ontic) feature of Nature.

Gennaro Auletta, Gino Tarozzi

Rochelle Forrester

Quantum physicists have made many attempts to solve the quantum measurement problem, but no solution seems to have received widespread acceptance. The time has come for a new approach. In Sense Perception and Reality: A Theory of Perceptual Relativity, Quantum Mechanics and the Observer Dependent Universe and in a new paper The End of Realism I suggest the quantum measurement problem is caused by a failure to understand that each species has its own sensory world and that when we say the wave function collapses and brings a particle into existence we mean the particle is bought into existence in the human sensory world by the combined operation of the human sensory apparatus, particle detectors and the experimental set up. This is similar to the Copenhagen Interpretation suggested by Niels Bohr and others, but the understanding that the collapse of the wave function brings a particle into existence in the human sensory world removes the need for a dividing line between the quantum world and the macro world. The same rules can apply to both worlds and the ideas stated in this paper considerably strengthen the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum mechanics.

Lucién Hardy

F. Selleri

Norman M. Witriol

The Quantum Measurement Problem is solved if we define a new object, Partave, that replaces the quantum mechanical assignments of particle and wave to the physical objects (electrons, light, etc.) we wish to measure/describe. The properties of Partaves that are described (as being those given by Nature/Reality) as being the quantum mechanically properties actually measured for objects (like electrons, and photons), no problem exists for describing these objects once they are assigned as being a partave (instead of being assigned to being a particle or wave).