Coherent States and the Measurement Problem

Daniel I. Fivel

It is shown that the quantum theory can be formulated on homogeneous spaces of generalized coherent states in a manner that accounts for interference, entanglement, and the linearity of dynamics without using the superposition principle. The coherent state labels, which are essentially instructions for preparing states, make it unnecessary to identify properties with projectors in Hilbert space. This eliminates the so called "eigenvalue-eigenstate" link, and the theory thereby escapes the measurement problem. What the theory allows us to predict is the distribution in the outcomes of tests of relations between coherent states. It is shown that quantum non-determinism can be attributed to a hidden variable (noise) in the space of relations without violating the no-go theorems (e.g. Kochen-Specker). It is shown that the coherent state vacuum is distorted when entangled states are generated. The non-locality of the vacuum permits this distortion to be felt everywhere without the transmission of a signal and thereby accounts for EPR correlations in a manifestly covariant way.

Časlav Brukner

R. W. Rendell, Michael Steiner

Marco Falconi, Clotilde Fermanian Kammerer, Raphaël Gautier

The measurement problem is one of the longest-standing open problems in quantum mechanics: noncommutative observables are incompatible with the Born and collapse rules, prescribing that the outcome of their observation is distributed according to the laws of classical probability. In this paper, we solve the measurement problem through the correspondence principle with a semiclassical approach. We prove that Born rule, the wavefunction collapse, and macroscopic observability all hold true, approximately, but with arbitrary precision, whenever a measuring device (in a semiclassical state) is coupled adiabatically to the observed system. Our measurement device is based on the propagation properties of semiclassical bosonic coherent states through an adiabatic two level system on scale times of the order of the Ehrenfest time.

Willi-Hans Steeb

Justin McCaul

McCaul's Law (Ω = Φ) is applied to four unsolved problems in quantum mechanics using the hydrogen 1s state (Φ = 1.0000) as the Quantum Rosetta Stone. (1) The Measurement Problem resolves as a coherence-selection event — collapse = highest-Φ state. (2) Decoherence timescales are deterministic functions of ΔΦ between superposed states. (3) Schrödinger's Cat dissolves — macroscopic ΔΦ = 0.84 makes superposition instantaneously unstable. (4) Quantum tunneling = transient Φ spike (coherence flash). Three testable predictions generated.