Measuring Quantum Superpositions (Or, "It is only the theory which decides what can be observed.")

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2007.01146v1
• Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 14:30:56 GMT
• Title: Measuring Quantum Superpositions (Or, "It is only the theory which decides what can be observed.")
• Authors: Christian de Ronde
• Abstract summary: We argue that the ad hoc introduction of the projection postulate (or measurement rule) can be understood as a necessary requirement coming from a naive empiricist standpoint. We discuss the general physical conditions for measuring and observing quantum superpositions.
• Score: 0.0
• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: In this work we attempt to confront the orthodox widespread claim present in the foundational literature of Quantum Mechanics (QM) according to which 'superpositions are never actually observed in the lab'. In order to do so, we begin by providing a critical analysis of the famous measurement problem which, we will argue, was originated by the strict application of the empirical-positivist requirements to subsume the quantum formalism under their specific understanding of 'theory'. In this context, the ad hoc introduction of the projection postulate (or measurement rule) can be understood as a necessary requirement coming from a naive empiricist standpoint which presupposes that observations are self evident givens of "common sense" experience --independent of metaphysical (categorical) presuppositions. We then turn our attention to two "non-collapse" interpretations of QM --namely, modal and many worlds-- which even though deny that the "collapse" is a real physical process anyhow retain the measurement rule as a necessary element of the theory. In contraposition, following Einstein's claim according to which "it is only the theory which decides what can be observed", we propose a return to the realist representational understanding of 'physical theories' in which 'observation' is considered as derived from theoretical presuppositions. It is from this standpoint that we discuss a new non-classical conceptual representation which allows us to understand quantum phenomena in an intuitive (anschaulicht) manner. Leaving behind the projection postulate, we discuss the general physical conditions for measuring and observing quantum superpositions.

Related papers

• Semiclassical gravity phenomenology under the causal-conditional quantum measurement prescription II: Heisenberg picture and apparent optical entanglement [13.04737397490371]
  In quantum gravity theory, a state-dependent gravitational potential introduces nonlinearity into the state evolution. The formalism for understanding the continuous quantum measurement process on the quantum state has been previously discussed using the Schr"odinger picture. In this work, an equivalent formalism using the Heisenberg picture is developed and applied to the analysis of two optomechanical experiment protocols.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-11-08T14:07:18Z)
• The Measurement Problem Is a Feature, Not a Bug--Schematising the Observer and the Concept of an Open System on an Informational, or (Neo-)Bohrian, Approach [0.0]
  I argue that quantum mechanics represents what Bohr called a natural generalisation of the ordinary causal description'' I show how the quantum generalisation of the concept of an open system may be used to assuage Einstein's complaint.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-08-31T00:19:04Z)
• Quantum Theory Needs (And Probably Has) Real Reduction [0.0]
  It appears that for quantum theory to be viable in a realist sense, it must possess genuine, physical non-unitarity. Penrose's theory of gravitation-induced collapse and the Transactional Interpretation are discussed.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-04-20T21:25:23Z)
• Quantum realism: axiomatization and quantification [77.34726150561087]
  We build an axiomatization for quantum realism -- a notion of realism compatible with quantum theory. We explicitly construct some classes of entropic quantifiers that are shown to satisfy almost all of the proposed axioms.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-10-10T18:08:42Z)
• Quantum indistinguishability through exchangeable desirable gambles [69.62715388742298]
  Two particles are identical if all their intrinsic properties, such as spin and charge, are the same. Quantum mechanics is seen as a normative and algorithmic theory guiding an agent to assess her subjective beliefs represented as (coherent) sets of gambles. We show how sets of exchangeable observables (gambles) may be updated after a measurement and discuss the issue of defining entanglement for indistinguishable particle systems.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-05-10T13:11:59Z)
• Observers of quantum systems cannot agree to disagree [55.41644538483948]
  We ask whether agreement between observers can serve as a physical principle that must hold for any theory of the world. We construct examples of (postquantum) no-signaling boxes where observers can agree to disagree.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-02-17T19:00:04Z)
• Understanding Quantum Mechanics (Beyond Metaphysical Dogmatism and Naive Empiricism) [0.0]
  We will argue that the reason behind the impossibility to reach a meaningful answer to this question is strictly related to the 20th Century Bohrian-positivist re-foundation of physics. We will also argue that the possibility of understanding QM is at plain sight, given we return to the original framework of physics in which the meaning of understanding has always been clear.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2020-09-01T14:40:44Z)
• Preferred basis, decoherence and a quantum state of the Universe [77.34726150561087]
  We review a number of issues in foundations of quantum theory and quantum cosmology. These issues can be considered as a part of the scientific legacy of H.D. Zeh.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2020-06-28T18:07:59Z)
• From a quantum theory to a classical one [117.44028458220427]
  We present and discuss a formal approach for describing the quantum to classical crossover. The method was originally introduced by L. Yaffe in 1982 for tackling large-$N$ quantum field theories.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2020-04-01T09:16:38Z)
• The (Quantum) Measurement Problem in Classical Mechanics [0.0]
  We show why this is not an "obvious" nor "self evident" problem for the theory of quanta. We discuss a representational realist account of both physical 'theories' and'measurement' We show how through these same set of presuppositions it is easy to derive a completely analogous paradox for the case of classical mechanics.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2020-01-01T17:07:03Z)

This list is automatically generated from the titles and abstracts of the papers in this site.

This site does not guarantee the quality of this site (including all information) and is not responsible for any consequences.