Detection theory and quantum mechanics

Carl W. Helstrom

Andrei Yu. Khrennikov

The very old problem of the statistical content of quantum mechanics is studied in a novel framework. We show that quantum mechanics (QM) can be considered as a measurement model of prequantum classical statistical field theory (PCSFT): a pure field theory reproducing quantum correlations. We present a measurement scheme for classical signals which reproduces the basic rule of QM, the Born's rule. This is the scheme of threshold type detection. Calibration of detectors plays a crucial role. The size of the detection threshold is determined by the mean energy of a prequantum signal. QM is interpreted as theory of measurements of classical random signals with threshold type detectors which are calibrated in a proper way. The essence of this paper is the creation of a rigorous mathematical model of threshold detection of classical (ergodic) stochastic processes.

Mehdi Golshani, Omid Akhavan

The significance of proposals that can predict different results for standard and Bohmian quantum mechanics have been the subject of many discussions over the years. Here, we suggest a particular experiment (a two double-slit experiment) and a special detection process, that we call selective detection, to distinguish between the two theories. Using our suggested experiment, it is shown that the two theories predict different observable results at the individual level for a geometrically symmetric arrangement. However, their predictions are the same at the ensemble level. On the other hand, we have shown that at the statistical level, if we use our selective detection, then either the predictions of the two theories differ or where standard quantum mechanics is silent or vague, Bohmian quantum mechanics makes explicit predictions.

Masao Osaki

Alberto Barchielli

Carl W. Helstrom

Statistical estimation theory applied to quantum mechanics and signal detection with optical instruments