Electromagnetic Criticality as a Phase-Transition Mechanism for Wavefunction Collapse: Implications for Quantum Computing Errors
Hyowon Kim
We propose that wavefunction collapse is not an intrinsic probabilisticevent but a deterministic phase transition triggered by the local electromagnetic(EM) energy density exceeding a specific critical threshold(Ec). Unlike standard decoherence theory, which suppresses interference but failsto explain unique outcome selection, and unlike stochastic collapse models (e.g.,GRW, CSL) that rely on arbitrary noise fields, our framework identifies the ubiquitousEM field as the physical agent of collapse.We argue that the sudden, non-Gaussian error bursts frequently observedin superconducting qubits are not random anomalies but direct manifestations ofthis electromagnetic criticality. Specifically, we predict that collapse occurs onlywhen the coarse-grained EM energy density ρEM surpasses Ec, marking an abrupttransition from a coherent superposition to a definite particle state.To validate this hypothesis, we present three falsifiable experimental protocolsfeasible with current technology(1) EM-tuning in quantum processors to observe non-linear error spikes(2) Weak-laser double-slit experiments to detect the abrupt vanishing ofinterference patterns at specific intensity thresholds(3) EM-shielded null tests to demonstrate the preservation of macroscopicsuperposition in sub-critical environmentsThis model offers a falsifiable resolution to the measurement problem, bridgingthe gap between unitary quantum evolution and macroscopic reality through a clearthermodynamic criterion.
•Feb 28, 2026•0 citations