ArticlePDF Available

Unbroken Quantum Realism, from Microscopic to Macroscopic Levels

Authors:

Abstract

By means of the quantum potential interpretation we show that there is no need for a break or ``cut'' in the way we regard reality between quantum and classical levels.
... As put by Holland the aim is to develop a theory of individual material systems which describes "an objective process engaged in by a material system possessing its own properties through which the appearances (the results of successive measurements) are continuously and causally connected" (Holland (1993) p. 17). Bohm and Hiley (1985) state that embracing their interpretation shows "there is no need for a break or 'cut' in the way we regard reality between quantum and classical levels". Indeed one of the main advantages of adopting the BB interpretative framework concerns the ontological continuity between the quantum and the classical world: the trajectories followed by the particles are to be regarded as real, in the same sense that macroscopic objects move along classical trajectories: "there is no mismatch between Bohm's ontology and the classical one regarding the existence of trajectories and the objective existence of actual particles" (Cushing 1994, p. 52). ...
... The difficulties of conceiving a scientific realist interpretation of quantum phenomena are well-established (see for example the celebrated paper by Putnam 1 (1965)), and standard QM in the Copenhagen framework openly advocates instrumentalist and operationalist approaches of the theory. According to Bohm and Hiley (1985), the main motivation in introducing their interpretation is precisely that "it avoids making the distinction between realism in the classical level and some kind of nonrealism in the quantum level". This is afforded by the ontological continuity that follows from positing the existence of particles 1 In a recent article Putnam (2005) reconsiders the problems raised by quantum mechanics even for a broad and liberal version of scientific realism, concluding on the possibility that "we will just fail to find a scientific realist interpretation [of quantum mechanics] which is acceptable". ...
... Of course, trajectories in the quantum domain are generically nonclassical, due to the presence of the quantum potential. This quantum state dependent potential enters the equations for the Bohmian trajectories in Eq. (2); without this term Eq. (2) would become the classical Hamilton-Jacobi equation (9). The presence of the quantum potential term in Eq. (2) leads to highly nonclassical solutions even for intuitively simple systems. ...
Preprint
The de Broglie-Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics aims to give a realist description of quantum phenomena in terms of the motion of point-like particles following well-defined trajectories. This work is concerned by the de Broglie-Bohm account of the properties of semiclassical systems. Semiclassical systems are quantum systems that display the manifestation of classical trajectories: the wavefunction and the observable properties of such systems depend on the trajectories of the classical counterpart of the quantum system. For example the quantum properties have a regular or disordered aspect depending on whether the underlying classical system has regular or chaotic dynamics. In contrast, Bohmian trajectories in semiclassical systems have little in common with the trajectories of the classical counterpart, creating a dynamical mismatch relative to the quantum-classical correspondence visible in these systems. Our aim is to describe this mismatch (explicit illustrations are given), explain its origin, and examine some of the consequences on the status of Bohmian trajectories in semiclassical systems. We argue in particular that semiclassical systems put stronger constraints on the empirical acceptability and plausibility of Bohmian trajectories because the usual arguments given to dismiss the mismatch between the classical and the de Broglie-Bohm motions are weakened by the occurrence of classical trajectories in the quantum wavefunction of such systems.
... Of course, the standard approach of Equation (8) leads to a vanishing current density in the case of the stationary states of the bouncing ball that are real wave functions (ψ = ψ * ) and do not allow to recover the velocity (7). However, in the paper of 1953 [1], regarding the similar case of a particle in a box of perfectly reflecting walls, Einstein felt that the prediction of a vanishing momentum "violated physical intuition which, for him, required the particle move back and forth" [11]. The answer of Bohm and Hiley [11] to Einstein's objection started from the consideration that "even when the quantum number is high, the wave function has a distribution of nodes, where there is zero probability of finding the particle". ...
... However, in the paper of 1953 [1], regarding the similar case of a particle in a box of perfectly reflecting walls, Einstein felt that the prediction of a vanishing momentum "violated physical intuition which, for him, required the particle move back and forth" [11]. The answer of Bohm and Hiley [11] to Einstein's objection started from the consideration that "even when the quantum number is high, the wave function has a distribution of nodes, where there is zero probability of finding the particle". The prediction of the theory that "p = 0 is clearly a possibility that is consistent with nodes. ...
... In the previous paper [2], we did not derive the Formula (13) from the typical equations of quantum mechanics but from the comparison of the Equation (12) with the expression (7) and the correspondence with its classical analogue (2). Our aim is to justify the solution (13) regarding the bouncing ball, in light of the modified probability current (11), and to suggest also a way to determine the new function F(t) in similar cases. Of course, it would be useful to find a procedure which is valid in general, for all possible physical contexts, but this is beyond the scope of this paper. ...
Article
Full-text available
Starting from the dynamics of a bouncing ball in classical and quantum regime, we have suggested in a previous paper to add an arbitrary function of time to the standard expression of the probability current in quantum mechanics. In this paper, we suggest a way to determine this function: imposing a suitable normalization condition. The application of our proposal to the case of the harmonic oscillator is discussed.
... According to the Bohm approach to quantum mechanics the quantum potential in the modified Hamilton-Jacobi equation may be equally looked at from the point of view of the Newton second law as a quantum force term [1]. Thus, in the causal interpretation, in addition to the external force, the quantum force derived from quantum potential, guides the trajectory of the quantum particle [2]. ...
Preprint
Full-text available
In a previous work the concept of quantum potential is generalized into extended phase space (EPS) for a particle in linear and harmonic potentials. It was shown there that in contrast to the Schr\"odinger quantum mechanics by an appropriate extended canonical transformation one can obtain the Wigner representation of phase space quantum mechanics in which the quantum potential is removed from dynamical equation. In other words, one still has the form invariance of the ordinary Hamilton-Jacobi equation in this representation. The situation, mathematically, is similar to the disappearance of the centrifugal potential in going from the spherical to the Cartesian coordinates. Here we show that the Husimi representation is another possible representation where the quantum potential for the harmonic potential disappears and the modified Hamilton-Jacobi equation reduces to the familiar classical form. This happens when the parameter in the Husimi transformation assumes a specific value corresponding to Q-function.
... Due to its use of photons, this is a proof-of-principle experiment and can not be viewed as a test of macroscopic realism, as originally envisaged by Leggett and Garg but rather of microscopic realism [40,41] as has been famously tested in Bell-type experiments [42]. Nevertheless the general principle used for constructing ambiguous LGI tests without signalling could potentially be scaled up to larger, massive objects, perhaps most directly in molecular interference experiments [43]. ...
Preprint
We realise a quantum three-level system with photons distributed among three different spatial and polarization modes. Ambiguous measurement of the state of the qutrit are realised by blocking one out for the three modes at any one time. Using these measurements we construct a test of a Leggett-Garg inequality as well as tests of no-signalling-in-time for the measurements. We observe violations of the Leggett-Garg inequality that can not be accounted for in terms of signalling. Moreover, we tailor the qutrit dynamics such that both ambiguous and unambiguous measurements are simultaneously non-signalling, which is an essential step for the justification of the use of ambiguous measurements in Leggett-Garg tests.
... ( [Freire Jr., 2015], p. 280.) 54 [Bohm, 1988]. 55 [Bohm and Hiley, 1985]. 56 Note the title of Leggett's paper ([Leggett and Garg, 1985]) was "Quantum Mechanics versus Macroscopic Realism: Is the Flux There when Nobody Looks?". ...
Preprint
Full-text available
In this paper, a systematic and overall ontology is developed that is consistent with the quantum theory. The paper begins with a review of the causal interpretation of the quantum theory, emphasising several new concepts that have been introduced in this interpretation. These may be summed up in terms of the notion that the wave function determines a quantum potential representing active information, which operates to give form to the motion of particles that however move under their own energy. The main further new point discussed in this paper is then that the quantum theory itself implies the independent existence of a large-scale manifest reality (i.e., one that is tangible and publicly accessible) in which the new quantum features can be neglected. This is contrasted with the subtle (i.e., intangible) quantum world of the wave function. This subtle quantum world is then shown to be capable of revealing itself in the manifest world, especially in experiments that are sensitive to a quantum level of accuracy. In this way, the problem of measurement is removed, as the human observer is now seen to be related to this public manifest world in essentially the same way as in classical physics. Therefore, no special discussion of the act of observation is needed. Moreover, the ontology itself is seen to imply that the experimental apparatus and the object of the experiment constitute an undivided whole, and so, an ontological explanation is given for Bohr's notion of wholeness of the quantum experiment.
Article
According to the prediction of the classical physics, a macroscopic body moves oscillating between two perfectly reflecting walls with a velocity proportional to its energy. On the contrary, the momentum of the body calculated in the framework of the de Broglie–Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics is vanishing. This result was considered unsatisfactory by Einstein and other scientists who believed that also for quantum particles, it must be possible to move in an oscillatory way. In order to give an answer to Einstein’s objection, we show that it is possible to obtain a motion of the body using the standard rules of quantum mechanics. We obtain a correction of the Schrödinger equation, and we calculate explicitly the solution for the case of the particle in a box. Finally, we find the expression of the quantum velocity.
Article
In the de Broglie–Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics, the momentum of a particle in a box of perfectly reflecting walls is vanishing. On the contrary, the classical physics predicts an oscillatory motion between the walls. The resulting difference between the behavior of a body in classical and quantum regime is unsatisfactory for Einstein and many other scientists. In order to solve the problem, we show that it is possible to obtain a motion of the body using the rules of quantum mechanics. The result holds for the quantum systems described by solutions of the time independent Schrödinger equation that are real functions.
Chapter
Our brain gets the ability to think through its modular construction. In the process, nerve cell associations are trained like neuronal networks in a computer. Training and exercise strengthen or delete synapses. In the associative regions of our cerebrum, there are so many nerve connections that it becomes advantageous to process information in an integrated rather than localized manner. Interference patterns similar to a hologram emerge. BioinformaticsBioinformatics decodes neuromolecular signals at many levels: Genetic factors of neuronal maturation and disease, which can be elucidated using the OMIM database, genomeGenomes and transcriptome analyses. At the neuronal level, protein structuresProtein structures, in particular receptors and their activation can be described in detail using protein structureProtein structures analyses, molecular dynamics and databases (e.g. DrumPIDDrumPID, PDB database), as well as underlying cellular networks, protein-protein interactions and signallingSignalling cascades involved. Brain blueprints, so-called connectomesConnectomes, are already available for C. elegans and are being intensively developed for other model organisms and humans. Numerous special software are available for clinical evaluations (EEG, computer tomograms) (‘medical informatics’), but also for neurobiologicalInformatics, medical experiments (e.g. a neuronal activity detection toolActivity detection tool).
Article
Cancer (a) represents an atavistic reversion to attempted asexual reproduction; (b) metastasizes to absorber “soil” tissues based upon temporal, ontogenetic commonalities; (c) cycles/precesses with competitive immunological surveillance and self-competition within the ecological environment of the body; and (d) is potentially manageable via quantum information qubit phase transitions and universal principles of thermodynamic hysteresis and resonant driving forces . We use retro-recognition of evidence-based cancer anomalies to make these arguments, which in sum position cancer as an ecological quantum information problem. The findings reposition the quantum metabolic model of cancer and presents a research approach aimed at applied treatments: Tertiary Lymphoid Structure ecological competition with cellular transmembrane quantum energy boosting using VDAC and other voltage gated ion channels.
Chapter
Unser Gehirn bekommt durch seine modulare Bauweise die Fähigkeit zu denken. Dabei werden Nervenzellverbände trainiert wie neuronale Netzwerke im Computer. Training und Übung festigen oder löschen Synapsen. In den assoziativen Regionen unseres Großhirns liegen so viele Nervenverknüpfungen vor, dass es vorteilhaft wird, integriert und nicht lokal Information zu verarbeiten. Es entstehen Interferenzmuster ähnlich einem Hologramm. Die Bioinformatik dekodiert neuromolekulare Signale auf vielen Ebenen: Genetische Faktoren der neuronalen Reifung und Krankheiten, die man mithilfe der OMIM-Datenbank, Genom- und Transkriptomanalysen erhellen kann. Auf der Ebene der Nervenzelle können Proteinstrukturen, insbesondere Rezeptoren und ihre Aktivierung mit Proteinstrukturanalysen, molekularer Dynamik und Datenbanken (z. B. DrumPID-, PDB-Datenbank) im Detail beschrieben werden sowie zugrunde liegende zelluläre Netzwerke, Protein–Protein-Interaktionen und beteiligte Signalkaskaden. Gehirnbaupläne, sogenannte Konnektome (‚Connectome‘), liegen schon für C. elegans vor und werden intensiv für andere Modellorganismen und den Menschen vorangebracht. Zahlreiche Spezialsoftware steht für klinische Auswertungen (EEG, Computertomogramme) zur Verfügung (‚Medizinische Informatik‘), aber auch für neurobiologische Experimente (z. B. ein neuronal activity detection tool).
Article
Full-text available
We re-examine the notion of the quantum potential introduced by the Broglie and Bohm and calculate its explicit form in the case of the two-slit interference experiment. We also calculate the ensemble of particle trajectories through the two slits. The results show clearly how the quantum potential produces the bunching of trajectories that is required to obtain the usual fringe intensity pattern. Hence we are able to account for the interference fringes while retaining the notion of a well-defined particle trajectory. The wider implications of the quantum potential particularly in regard to the quantum interconnectedness are discussed. Si riesamina la nozione di potenziale quantico introdotta da de Broglie e Bohm e si calcola la sua forma esplicita nel caso di un esperimento d'interferenza a due passaggi. Si calcola anche l'insieme di traiettorie delle particelle attraverso i due passaggi. I risultati mostrano chiaramente come il potenziale quantico produce l'agglomerato di traiettorie che è richiesto per ottenere l'usuale comportamento di intensità di frangia. Quindi si è in grado di spiegare le frange di interferenza conservando la nozione di una ben definita traiettoria della particella. Si discutono le più ampie implicazioni del potenziale quantico particolarmente rispetto all'interazione quantica. Мы заново исследуем понятие квантового потенциала, введенного де Бройлем и Бомом, и вычисляем его явный вид в случае интерференционного эксперимента на двух щелях. Мы также вычисляем совокупность траекторий частиц, прошедших через две щели. Полученные результаты показывают, что квантовый потенциал приводит к группированию траекторий, что требуется для получения обычных интерференционных полос интенсивности. Следовательно, мы можем объяснитб образование интерференционных полос, сохраняя понятие определенных траекторий частиц. Обсуждаются следствия квантового потенциала относительно квантовой взаимосвязанности.
Article
The semiclassical limit of the wavefunction in several dimensions depends strongly on the structure of the underlying family of classical paths. For the general case of multi-valued trajectory fields one has to distinguish between local and global WKB approximations.
Article
The correspondence principle addresses the connection between classical and quantum physics. The simple statement that quantum mechanics reduces to classical mechanics in the limit where the principal quantum number n approaches infinity, while found in many textbooks, is not true in general. In this article we will give special attention to the notion that the quantum frequency spectrum of a periodic system reduces to the classical spectrum in this limit. Two simple counter‐examples—a particle in a cubical box, and a rigid rotator—will show us that the classical result is not always recovered in the limit of large quantum numbers. The usual textbook formulation of Bohr's frequency correspondence principle does not apply to all periodic systems, and the limits n→∞ and h→0 are not universally equivalent.
Article
The quantum potential approach is applied to a 'delayed choice' experiment considered by Wheeler (1978), and it is shown that there is no need to conclude that the past has had no existence except insofar as it is recorded in the present. A simple and intelligible account of a typical delayed-choice experiment is given. The result indicates that there is a definable and defined overall process that includes both the observer-participator and the rest of the universe in one undivided whole.
Article
In the context of the general problem of equivalence between classical mechanics and quantum mechanics in the macroscopic limit, we point out that, for the particular case of the one-dimensional Coulomb potential, the quantum-mechanical result in the classical limit, corresponding to a certain superposition of odd- and even-parity energy eigenfunctions, leads to inconsistency with classical mechanics. It is shown that the contradiction persists even if the singularity of the Coulomb potential is treated as the limiting case of a modified Coulomb potential in which the singularity has been smoothed out. The possible implication of this paradoxical finding is briefly discussed.
Article
The de Broglie-Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics is shown to provide an explanation of the observed spatial interference in neutron single crystal interferometers in terms of well-defined individual particle trajectories with continuously variable energy.
Article
It is shown that, in the contect of an idealized ''macroscopic quantum coherence'' experiment, the prediction of quantum mechanics are incompattible with the conjunction of two general assimptions which are designated ''macroscopic realism'' and ''noninvasive measurability at the macroscopiclevel.'' The conditions under which quantum mechanics can be tested against these assumptions in a realistic experiment are discussed.
  • D. Bohm