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International Journal of Theoretical and Mathematical Physics

On the Measurement Problem

Raed M. Shaiia

Published Oct 1, 2014• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

In this paper, we will see that we can reformulate the purely classical probability theory, using similar language to the one used in quantum mechanics. This leads us to reformulate quantum mechanics itself using this different way of understanding probability theory, which in turn will yield a new interpretation of quantum mechanics. In this reformulation, we still prove the existence of none classical phenomena of quantum mechanics, such as quantum superposition, quantum entanglement, the uncertainty principle and the collapse of the wave packet. But, here, we provide a different interpretation of these phenomena of how it is used to be understood in quantum physics. The advantages of this formulation and interpretation are that it induces the same experimental results, solves the measurement problem, and reduces the number of axioms in quantum mechanics. Besides, it suggests that we can use new types of Q-bits which are more easily to manipulate.

DOI
10.5923/j.ijtmp.20140405.04

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In this paper, we will see that we can reformulate the purely classical probability theory, using similar language to the one used in quantum mechanics. This leads us to reformulate quantum mechanics itself using this different way of understanding probability theory, which in turn will yield a new interpretation of quantum mechanics. In this reformulation, we still prove the existence of none classical phenomena of quantum mechanics, such as quantum superposition, quantum entanglement, the uncertainty principle and the collapse of the wave packet. But, here, we provide a different interpretation of these phenomena of how it is used to be understood in quantum physics. The advantages of this formulation and interpretation are that it induces the same experimental results, solves the measurement problem, and reduces the number of axioms in quantum mechanics. Besides, it suggests that we can use new types of Q-bits which are more easily to manipulate.
Abstract The book starts with a description of classical mechanics then discusses the quantum phenomena that require us to give up our commonsense classical intuitions. We consider the physical and conceptual arguments that led to the standard von Neumann-Dirac formulation of quantum mechanics and how the standard theory explains quantum phenomena. This includes a discussion of how the theory’s two dynamical laws work with the standard interpretation of states to explain determinate measurement records, quantum statistics, interference effects, entanglement, decoherence, and quantum nonlocality. A careful understanding of how the standard theory works ultimately leads to the quantum measurement problem. We consider how the measurement problem threatens the logical consistency of the standard theory then turn to a discussion of the main proposals for resolving it. This includes collapse formulations of quantum mechanics like Wigner’s extension of the standard theory and the GRW approach and no-collapse formulations like pure wave mechanics, the various many-worlds theories, and Bohmian mechanics. In discussing alternative formulations of quantum mechanics we pay particular attention to the explanatory role played by each theory’s empirical ontology and associated metaphysical commitments and the conceptual trade-offs between theoretical options.
(1) Background: Over a dozen constructions have been proposed to untangle the foundations of quantum mechanics (QM). So many irreconcilable schemes raise the suspect that methodological requisites should be discussed before beginning a theoretical construction in QM. In particular, we identify the ensuing issues of methods: formal definitions of particles and waves; incompatible probability theories and the single case problem. (2) Methods of the present inquiry: We tackle the second and third issue with a novel and comprehensive probability theory. Next it applies the theoretical results to quantum physics. (3) Results of the present inquiry: The new probability theory proves how some effects - the impossibility of measuring, the collapse of outcomes, non-locality and counterfactual definiteness - are not exclusive to quantum mechanics but can be observed also in classical context. (4) Conclusions: A probability-based interpretation of quantum mechanics is derived; innovative answers are put forward about quantum dualism, the measurement problem, collapse and the relations between classical and quantum physics.
In this paper, we do not try to solve the measurement problem, but rather to properly formulate it. One of the reasons why it still lacks a precise, agreed definition is that the problem may take very different aspects depending on the interpretation of quantum mechanics embraced. Inspired by the methodology of theory-independent results like Bell's theorem, we propose to identify the common root of the puzzle in an interpretation-independent way i.e. as a property of the empirical statistics only, before deriving its philosophical consequences. The key observation is that quantum matter can not be described by a Kolmogorovian probabilistic theory. Arguing that the Kolmogorov axioms of probability theory are the postulates of epistemic uncertainty leads us to reformulate the measurement problem as the impossibility to build an ontology independent of epistemology for quantum matter. Said differently, there exists no God's-eye view on quantum systems. Although it is meaningless to solve the measurement problem as defined in this way, insofar as it is a feature of the universe's statistics, such a formulation may on the other hand bring side benefits. In particular, we argue that it allows to: (i) shed a new light on the variety of interpretations; (ii) propose a fundamental reason why quantum mechanics and general relativity are so incompatible, not relying on purely mathematical or technical arguments; (iii) guide the quest for quantum gravity.
Quantum Mechanics is typically divided into two parts: the unobserved amplitude given by the equations of quantum field theory and the observed measurement aspect. We argue that a better approach is insert a probability realm in the middle. The reason is that every measurement involves interactions with a complex environment where massive decoherence transforms the amplitudes into standard probabilities. The probabilities eliminate complex superpositions so that quantum states A AND B become classical states A OR B. Thus the measurement process becomes a simpler and more familiar process of the observer selecting from classical type probabilities. This is close to the approach recommended by Henry Stapp. We anticipate that by using this approach many of the different interpretations of quantum mechanics become more similar to each other.
The uncertainty principle is the most important for the foundations of quantum mechanics but it still remains failed to reach a consensus of its interpretation, which gives rise to debates upon its physical nature. In this work, we address the problem of its foundation from a different aspect to present an alternative formulation for proving the uncertainty relations in a general way in terms of commutation relations and action function. The relationship between the de Broglie relation and the uncertainty principle is studied from a new angle. As a result, it is demonstrated that the de Broglie relation is the foundation of the uncertainty principle. Starting with the origin of the problem, we show that the de Broglie relation provides the form of the wave function and the determined form of the wave function in turn leads to the conception of operators for quantum mechanics, and thus it is possible to provide with the help of the operators and wave function a generalized proof of the uncertainty principle as the law governing ensemble of states. As a decisive solution to the problem, the interpretation of the uncertainty principle in terms of the action function is offered that gives one self-consistent explanation in agreement with the known physical phenomena. Eventually, we show the necessity and possibility of reassessing and improving the foundation and interpretation of the uncertainty principle as a leading principle of quantum mechanics.
In this paper a didactic approach is described which immediately leads to an understanding of those postulates of quantum mechanics used most frequently in quantum computation. Moreover, an interpretation of quantum mechanics is presented which is motivated by retaining the point of view of classical mechanics as much as possible, and which is consistent with relativity theory. Everything can be written down in terms of well-known mathematical formulations that can be found in every textbook about quantum mechanics. Therefore, in this version, almost no formulas are used.