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Scientific Reports

Quantum Mechanics can be understood through stochastic optimization on spacetimes

Jussi Lindgren, Jukka Liukkonen

Published Dec 27, 2019• 24 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The main contribution of this paper is to explain where the imaginary structure comes from in quantum mechanics. It is shown how the demand of relativistic invariance is key and how the geometric structure of the spacetime together with the demand of linearity are fundamental in understanding the foundations of quantum mechanics. We derive the Stueckelberg covariant wave equation from first principles via a stochastic control scheme. From the Stueckelberg wave equation a Telegrapher's equation is deduced, from which the classical relativistic and nonrelativistic equations of quantum mechanics can be derived in a straightforward manner. We therefore provide meaningful insight into quantum mechanics by deriving the concepts from a coordinate invariant stochastic optimization problem, instead of just stating postulates.

DOI
10.1038/s41598-019-56357-3

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Stochastic quantum mechanics and quantum spacetime : a consistent unification of relativity and quantum theory based on stochastic spaces

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I: Stochastic Quantum Mechanics.- 1 / Nonrelativistic Stochastic Quantum Mechanics.- 1.1 Stochastic Values and Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 1.2. Sharp Localizability and Systems of Imprimitivity.- 1.3. Stochastic Localizability and Systems of Co variance.- 1.4. Phase-Space Representations of the Galilei Group.- 1.5. Localizability in Nonrelativistic Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 1.6. Stochastic Phase-Space Systems of Covariance.- 1.7. Resolution Generators and Gauge Freedom in Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 1.8. Stochastic Probability Currents and Their Sharp-Point Limits.- 1.9. Propagators in Nonrelativistic Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 1.10. Quantum Stochastic Processes and Phase-Space Path Integrals.- 1.11. Semiclassical Propagators in Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 1.12. The Physical Nature and the Measurement of Proper Wave Functions and of Stochastic Position and Momentum.- Notes.- 2 / Relativistic Stochastic Quantum Mechanics.- 2.1. The Nonexistence of Relativistic Probability Currents at Sharp Space time Points.- 2.2. The Unfeasibility of Sharp Localization in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics.- 2.3. Phase-Space Representations of the Poincare Group.- 2.4. Resolution Generators and Relativistic Phase-Space Representations.- 2.5. Localizability in Relativistic Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 2.6. Systems of Covariance in Relativistic Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 2.7. Relativistic Canonical Commutation Relations and Gauge Freedom.- 2.8. Relativistically Covariant and Conserved Probability and Charge Currents.- 2.9. Propagators in Relativistic Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 2.10. Relativistic Extended Quantum Particles in External Electromagnetic Fields.- Notes.- 3 / Statistical Mechanics on Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 3.1. Phase-Space Representations of Quantum Statistical Mechanics.- 3.2. Informational Equivalence and Completeness of POV Measures.- 3.3. Generalized Stochastic Phase-Space Systems of Covariance.- 3.4. Classical and Quantum Mechanics in L2 (?N).- 3.5. Classical and Quantum Statistical Mechanics in Master Liouville Space ?(?N).- 3.6. Quantum Observables as Density Distributions on Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 3.7. Unified Formulations of Classical and Quantum Boltzmann Equations and Scattering Cross-Sections.- Notes.- II: Quantum Spacetime.- 4 / Reciprocity Theory and the Geometrization of Stochastic Quantum Mechanics.- 4.1. The Operational Foundations of Special and General Relativity.- 4.2. Coordinate Fluctuation Amplitudes for Coherent Flows of Quantum Test Particles.- 4.3. Quantum Lorentz Frames and Minkowski Quantum Spacetime.- 4.4. General Quantum Spacetimes and Stochastic Geometries.- 4.5. Reciprocity Theory and Born's Quantum Metric Operator.- 4.6. Unitary Internal Symmetries and Generalized Representations of Relativistic Canonical Commutation Relations.- Notes.- 5 / Field Theory on Quantum Spacetime.- 5.1. Free Scalar Fields on Minkowski Quantum Spacetime.- 5.2. LSZ Formalism and Causality on Quantum Spacetime.- 5.3. Lagrangian Field Theory on Quantum Spacetime.- 5.4. Dirac Bispinors and Free Fields on Quantum Spacetime.- 5.5. Photon Localizability and the Electromagnetic Field on Quantum Spacetime.- 5.6. Reciprocally Invariant Quantum Electrodynamics for Extended Fermions.- Notes.- Appendix A / Elements of Measure Theory.- Appendix B / Elements of Operator Theory on Hilbert Spaces.- Notes.- References.

•Jan 1, 1984•10 citations

Quantum spacetime operationally based on propagators for extended test particles

Eduard Prugovečki

By taking into account the quantum aspects intrinsic to any operational definition of spatio-temporal relationships, a stochastic concept of spacetime emerges. In relation to its classical counterpart is realized as a stochastic mean around which quantum fluctuations become negligible only in the limit of macroscopic spacetime intervals. The test-particle propagators used in the proposed quantum concept of spacetime are derived by solving in a consistent manner the localizability problem for relativistic particles. This is achieved in the framework of the stochastic phase space formulation of quantum mechanics, which in the nonrelativistic context is shown to result from systems of imprimitivity related to phase space conserved probability currents derivable from bona fide convariant probability densities in stochastic phase spaces of one particle systems, which can be interpreted as due to measurements performed with extended rather than pointlike test particles. The associated particle propagators can be therefore consistently related to coordinate probability densities measurable by the exchange of photons in between test particles from a chosen standard. Quantum spacetime is defined as the family of propagators corresponding to all conceivable coherent flows of test particles. This family of free-fall propagators has to satisfy certain self-consistency conditions as well as consistent laws ofmore » motion which inplicitly determine the stochastic geometro-dynamics of quantum space-time. Field theory on quantum spacetime retains many of the formal features of conventional quantum field theory. On a fundamental epistemological level stochastic geometries emerge as essential prerequisites in the construction of spacetime models that would be operationally based and yet consistent with the relativity principle as well as with the uncertinty principle.« less

Hadronic J.; (United States)•Apr 1, 1981•4 citations
The main contribution of this paper is to explain where the imaginary structure comes from in quantum mechanics. It is shown how the demand of relativistic invariance is key and how the geometric structure of the spacetime together with the demand of linearity are fundamental in understanding the foundations of quantum mechanics. We derive the Stueckelberg covariant wave equation from first principles via a stochastic control scheme. From the Stueckelberg wave equation a Telegrapher's equation is deduced, from which the classical relativistic and nonrelativistic equations of quantum mechanics can be derived in a straightforward manner. We therefore provide meaningful insight into quantum mechanics by deriving the concepts from a coordinate invariant stochastic optimization problem, instead of just stating postulates.
We provide a natural derivation and interpretation for the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics from the stochastic optimal control approach. We show that, in particular, the stochastic approach to quantum mechanics allows one to understand the uncertainty principle through the “thermodynamic equilibrium”. A stochastic process with a gradient structure is key in terms of understanding the uncertainty principle and such a framework comes naturally from the stochastic optimal control approach to quantum mechanics. The symmetry of the system is manifested in certain non-vanishing and invariant covariances between the four-position and the four-momentum. In terms of interpretation, the results allow one to understand the uncertainty principle through the lens of scientific realism, in accordance with empirical evidence, contesting the original interpretation given by Heisenberg.
We derive the equations of quantum mechanics and quantum thermodynamics from the assumption that a quantum system can be described by an underlying classical system of particles. Each component ϕjϕ_jϕj​ of the wave vector is understood as a stochastic complex variable whose real and imaginary parts are proportional to the coordinate and momentum associated to a degree of freedom of the underlying classical system. From the classical stochastic equations of motion, we derive a general equation for the covariance matrix of the wave vector which turns out to be of the Lindblad type. When the noise changes only the phase of ϕjϕ_jϕj​, the Schrödinger and the quantum Liouville equation are obtained. The component ψjψ_jψj​ of the wave vector obeying the Schrödinger equation is related to stochastic wave vector by ∣ψj∣2=⟨∣ϕj∣2⟩|ψ_j|^2=\langle|ϕ_j|^2\rangle∣ψj​∣2=⟨∣ϕj​∣2⟩.
Abstract We derive the equations of quantum mechanics and quantum thermodynamics from the assumption that a quantum system can be described by an underlying classical system of particles. Each component φ j of the wave vector is understood as a stochastic complex variable whose real and imaginary parts are proportional to the coordinate and momentum associated with a degree of freedom of the underlying classical system. From the classical stochastic equations of motion, we derive a general equation for the covariance matrix of the wave vector, which turns out to be of the Lindblad type. When the noise changes only the phase of φ j , the Schrödinger and the quantum Liouville equations are obtained. The component ψ j of the wave vector obeying the Schrödinger equation is related to the stochastic wave vector by | ψ j | 2 = ⟨ | ϕ j | 2 ⟩ .
I: Stochastic Quantum Mechanics.- 1 / Nonrelativistic Stochastic Quantum Mechanics.- 1.1 Stochastic Values and Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 1.2. Sharp Localizability and Systems of Imprimitivity.- 1.3. Stochastic Localizability and Systems of Co variance.- 1.4. Phase-Space Representations of the Galilei Group.- 1.5. Localizability in Nonrelativistic Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 1.6. Stochastic Phase-Space Systems of Covariance.- 1.7. Resolution Generators and Gauge Freedom in Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 1.8. Stochastic Probability Currents and Their Sharp-Point Limits.- 1.9. Propagators in Nonrelativistic Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 1.10. Quantum Stochastic Processes and Phase-Space Path Integrals.- 1.11. Semiclassical Propagators in Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 1.12. The Physical Nature and the Measurement of Proper Wave Functions and of Stochastic Position and Momentum.- Notes.- 2 / Relativistic Stochastic Quantum Mechanics.- 2.1. The Nonexistence of Relativistic Probability Currents at Sharp Space time Points.- 2.2. The Unfeasibility of Sharp Localization in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics.- 2.3. Phase-Space Representations of the Poincare Group.- 2.4. Resolution Generators and Relativistic Phase-Space Representations.- 2.5. Localizability in Relativistic Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 2.6. Systems of Covariance in Relativistic Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 2.7. Relativistic Canonical Commutation Relations and Gauge Freedom.- 2.8. Relativistically Covariant and Conserved Probability and Charge Currents.- 2.9. Propagators in Relativistic Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 2.10. Relativistic Extended Quantum Particles in External Electromagnetic Fields.- Notes.- 3 / Statistical Mechanics on Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 3.1. Phase-Space Representations of Quantum Statistical Mechanics.- 3.2. Informational Equivalence and Completeness of POV Measures.- 3.3. Generalized Stochastic Phase-Space Systems of Covariance.- 3.4. Classical and Quantum Mechanics in L2 (?N).- 3.5. Classical and Quantum Statistical Mechanics in Master Liouville Space ?(?N).- 3.6. Quantum Observables as Density Distributions on Stochastic Phase Spaces.- 3.7. Unified Formulations of Classical and Quantum Boltzmann Equations and Scattering Cross-Sections.- Notes.- II: Quantum Spacetime.- 4 / Reciprocity Theory and the Geometrization of Stochastic Quantum Mechanics.- 4.1. The Operational Foundations of Special and General Relativity.- 4.2. Coordinate Fluctuation Amplitudes for Coherent Flows of Quantum Test Particles.- 4.3. Quantum Lorentz Frames and Minkowski Quantum Spacetime.- 4.4. General Quantum Spacetimes and Stochastic Geometries.- 4.5. Reciprocity Theory and Born's Quantum Metric Operator.- 4.6. Unitary Internal Symmetries and Generalized Representations of Relativistic Canonical Commutation Relations.- Notes.- 5 / Field Theory on Quantum Spacetime.- 5.1. Free Scalar Fields on Minkowski Quantum Spacetime.- 5.2. LSZ Formalism and Causality on Quantum Spacetime.- 5.3. Lagrangian Field Theory on Quantum Spacetime.- 5.4. Dirac Bispinors and Free Fields on Quantum Spacetime.- 5.5. Photon Localizability and the Electromagnetic Field on Quantum Spacetime.- 5.6. Reciprocally Invariant Quantum Electrodynamics for Extended Fermions.- Notes.- Appendix A / Elements of Measure Theory.- Appendix B / Elements of Operator Theory on Hilbert Spaces.- Notes.- References.
By taking into account the quantum aspects intrinsic to any operational definition of spatio-temporal relationships, a stochastic concept of spacetime emerges. In relation to its classical counterpart is realized as a stochastic mean around which quantum fluctuations become negligible only in the limit of macroscopic spacetime intervals. The test-particle propagators used in the proposed quantum concept of spacetime are derived by solving in a consistent manner the localizability problem for relativistic particles. This is achieved in the framework of the stochastic phase space formulation of quantum mechanics, which in the nonrelativistic context is shown to result from systems of imprimitivity related to phase space conserved probability currents derivable from bona fide convariant probability densities in stochastic phase spaces of one particle systems, which can be interpreted as due to measurements performed with extended rather than pointlike test particles. The associated particle propagators can be therefore consistently related to coordinate probability densities measurable by the exchange of photons in between test particles from a chosen standard. Quantum spacetime is defined as the family of propagators corresponding to all conceivable coherent flows of test particles. This family of free-fall propagators has to satisfy certain self-consistency conditions as well as consistent laws ofmore » motion which inplicitly determine the stochastic geometro-dynamics of quantum space-time. Field theory on quantum spacetime retains many of the formal features of conventional quantum field theory. On a fundamental epistemological level stochastic geometries emerge as essential prerequisites in the construction of spacetime models that would be operationally based and yet consistent with the relativity principle as well as with the uncertinty principle.« less