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Modified de Broglie-Bohm approach to quantum mechanics

John, M V

Published Sep 19, 2001• 56 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

A modified de Broglie-Bohm (dBB) approach to quantum mechanics is presented. In this new deterministic theory, which uses complex methods in an intermediate step, the problem of zero velocity for bound states encountered in the dBB formulation does not appear. Also this approach is equivalent to standard quantum mechanics when averages of dynamical variables are taken.

Related papers

Modified de Broglie-Bohm approach closer to classical Hamilton-Jacobi theory

Moncy V. John

A modified de Broglie-Bohm (dBB) approach to quantum mechanics is presented. In this new deterministic theory, the problem of zero velocity for bound states does not appear. Also this approach is equivalent to standard quantum mechanics when averages of dynamical variables are taken, in exactly the same way as in the original dBB theory.

arXiv:quant-ph/0102087•Feb 17, 2001•1 citation

The de Broglie-Bohm weak interpretation

Michel Gondran, Alexandre Gondran

We define the de Broglie-Bohm (dBB) weak interpretation as the dBB interpretation restricted to particles in unbound states whose wave function is defined in the three-dimensional physical space, and the dBB strong interpretation as the usual dBB interpretation applied to all wave functions, in particular to particles in bound states whose wave function is defined in a 3N-dimensional configuration space in which N is the number of particules. We show that the current criticisms of the dBB interpretation do not apply to this weak interpretation and that, furthermore, there are theoritical and experimental reasons to justify the weak dBB interpretation. Theoretically, the main reason concern the continuity existing for such particles between quantum mechanics and classical mechanics: we demonstrate in fact that the density and the phase of the wave function of a single-particle (or a set of identical particles without interaction), when the Planck constant tends to 0, converges to the density and the action of a set of unrecognizable prepared classical particles that satisfy the statistical Hamilton-Jacobi equations. As the Hamilton-Jacobi action pilots the particle in classical mechanics, this continuity naturally concurs with the weak dBB interpretation. Experimentally, we show that the measurement results of the main quantum experiments (Young's slits experiment, Stern and Gerlach, EPR-B) are compatible with the de Broglie-Bohm weak interpretation and everything takes place as if these unbounded particles had trajectories. In addition, we propose two potential solutions to complete the dBB weak interpretation.

arXiv:1711.04660•Nov 13, 2017•0 citations

Is de Broglie-Bohm Theory Specially Equipped to Recover Classical Behavior?

Joshua Rosaler

Supporters of the de Broglie-Bohm (dBB) interpretation of quantum theory argue that because the theory, like classical mechanics, concerns the motions of point particles in 3D space, it is specially suited to recover classical behavior. I offer a novel account of classicality in dBB theory, if only to show that such an account falls out almost trivially from results developed in the largely interpretation-neutral context of decoherence theory. I then argue that this undermines any special claim that dBB theory is purported to have on the unification of the quantum and classical realms.

Philosophy of Science•Dec 1, 2015•11 citations

Incompatibility of the de Broglie-Bohm Theory with Quantum Mechanics

Partha Ghose

t is shown that although the de Broglie-Bohm quantum theory of motion is equivalent to standard quantum mechanics when averages of dynamical variables are taken over a Gibbs ensemble of Bohmian trajectories, the equivalence breaks down for ensembles built over clearly separated short intervals of time in special multi-particle systems. This feature is exploited to propose a realistic experiment to distinguish between the two theories.

arXiv:quant-ph/0001024•Jan 10, 2000•14 citations

Can de Broglie–Bohm Mechanics Be Considered Complete?

Aurélien Drezet, Arnaud Amblard

In this work celebrating the centenary of quantum mechanics, we review the principles of the de Broglie-Bohm theory (dBB), also known as pilot-wave theory. We assess the most common reading of it (the Nomological interpretation based on the notion of primitive ontology in tridimensional space) and defend instead a more causal and pluralistic approach, drawing on classical analogies with optics and hydrodynamics. Within this framework, we review some of the approaches exploiting mechanical analogies to overcome the limitations of the current dBB theory and perhaps quantum mechanics itself.

Entropy•Apr 8, 2025•4 citations

On a Common Misconception Regarding the de Broglie–Bohm Theory

O. Passon

We discuss a common misconception regarding the de Broglie-Bohm (dBB) theory; namely, that it not only assigns a position to each quantum object but also contains the momenta as "hidden variables". Sometimes this alleged property of the theory is even used to argue that the dBB theory is inconsistent with quantum theory. We explain why this claim is unfounded and show in particular how this misconception veils the true novelty of the dBB theory.

Entropy•Jun 5, 2018•9 citations
A modified de Broglie-Bohm (dBB) approach to quantum mechanics is presented. In this new deterministic theory, which uses complex methods in an intermediate step, the problem of zero velocity for bound states encountered in the dBB formulation does not appear. Also this approach is equivalent to standard quantum mechanics when averages of dynamical variables are taken.
We define the de Broglie-Bohm (dBB) weak interpretation as the dBB interpretation restricted to particles in unbound states whose wave function is defined in the three-dimensional physical space, and the dBB strong interpretation as the usual dBB interpretation applied to all wave functions, in particular to particles in bound states whose wave function is defined in a 3N-dimensional configuration space in which N is the number of particules. We show that the current criticisms of the dBB interpretation do not apply to this weak interpretation and that, furthermore, there are theoritical and experimental reasons to justify the weak dBB interpretation. Theoretically, the main reason concern the continuity existing for such particles between quantum mechanics and classical mechanics: we demonstrate in fact that the density and the phase of the wave function of a single-particle (or a set of identical particles without interaction), when the Planck constant tends to 0, converges to the density and the action of a set of unrecognizable prepared classical particles that satisfy the statistical Hamilton-Jacobi equations. As the Hamilton-Jacobi action pilots the particle in classical mechanics, this continuity naturally concurs with the weak dBB interpretation. Experimentally, we show that the measurement results of the main quantum experiments (Young's slits experiment, Stern and Gerlach, EPR-B) are compatible with the de Broglie-Bohm weak interpretation and everything takes place as if these unbounded particles had trajectories. In addition, we propose two potential solutions to complete the dBB weak interpretation.
Supporters of the de Broglie-Bohm (dBB) interpretation of quantum theory argue that because the theory, like classical mechanics, concerns the motions of point particles in 3D space, it is specially suited to recover classical behavior. I offer a novel account of classicality in dBB theory, if only to show that such an account falls out almost trivially from results developed in the largely interpretation-neutral context of decoherence theory. I then argue that this undermines any special claim that dBB theory is purported to have on the unification of the quantum and classical realms.
In this work celebrating the centenary of quantum mechanics, we review the principles of the de Broglie-Bohm theory (dBB), also known as pilot-wave theory. We assess the most common reading of it (the Nomological interpretation based on the notion of primitive ontology in tridimensional space) and defend instead a more causal and pluralistic approach, drawing on classical analogies with optics and hydrodynamics. Within this framework, we review some of the approaches exploiting mechanical analogies to overcome the limitations of the current dBB theory and perhaps quantum mechanics itself.