The (un)detectability of trajectories in pilot-wave theory

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2503.07694v1
• Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:00:09 GMT
• Title: The (un)detectability of trajectories in pilot-wave theory
• Authors: Johannes Fankhauser,
• Abstract summary: Pilot wave theory endows particles with definite positions at all times governed by deterministic dynamics.<n>Individual particle trajectories are generically undetectable by experiment.<n>It is concluded that the puzzles arise from the absence of a coherent account of what quantum mechanical measurements signify.
• Score: 0.0
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Abstract: Pilot wave theory endows particles with definite positions at all times governed by deterministic dynamics. However, individual particle trajectories are generically undetectable by experiment. This idea might seem to be contested in light of two proposals: (1) So-called 'weak velocity measurements', allegedly detecting Bohmian trajectories by weakly probing a quantum system without essentially disturbing it, and (2) the so-called 'surrealistic' trajectories experiment which supposedly establishes a conflict between the 'actual' position of a particle and its position derived from pilot wave theory. Although both attempts shed light on the nature of Bohmian particles, neither constitute empirical or theoretical evidence in favour or against pilot wave theory. Both instances admit a straightforward standard quantum mechanical interpretation compatible with the predictions of Bohmian theories. It is concluded that the puzzles arise from the absence of a coherent account of what quantum mechanical measurements signify.

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