The quantum mechanics of experiments

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2603.25335v1
• Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:25:21 GMT
• Title: The quantum mechanics of experiments
• Abstract summary: The dissipative nature of the quantum-mechanical time-evolution of averages of states over large ensembles of identical isolated systems is discussed.<n>The importance of dissipation for the successful completion of measurements is highlighted.<n>A solution of the Measurement Problem'' is sketched in an idealized model of a double-slit experiment.
• Score: 45.88028371034407
• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: This note starts with a recapitulation of what people call the ``Measurement Problem'' of Quantum Mechanics (QM). The dissipative nature of the quantum-mechanical time-evolution of averages of states over large ensembles of identical isolated systems consisting of matter interacting with the radiation field is discussed and shown to correspond to a stochastic time-evolution of states of individual systems. The importance of dissipation for the successful completion of measurements is highlighted. To conclude, a solution of the ``Measurement Problem'' is sketched in an idealized model of a double-slit experiment.

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