The measurement problem of quantum theory (QT) is the unsolved problem of how the probabilistic predictions of QT are turned into definite measurement results. A related question is whether a measurement in QT implies a collapse of the wave function and what the collapse of the wave function exactly means. Theories proposed on these subjects have not found general agreements among physicists. This paper proposes a solution to the QT measurement problem in terms of a functional model of the measurement process. A functional model describes the process of the dynamic evolution of a physical system. The model assumes that the interactions between the measured QT object and the measurement apparatus are "normal" interactions which adhere to the laws of quantum field theory. Keywords
The non-localities in quantum theory (QT) (the most famous example is expressed in the violation of Bell's inequality in experiments) impede the construction of a local causal model of QT including quantum field theory (QFT). The laws of collective behavior may be considered to be types of non-local laws: laws that apply to the collection of system components as a whole. The article presents a proposal for the treatment of the non-localities that exist in QT/QFT by the concepts of collective behavior. The basic components of the collective behavior are the spatial elements of the causal model of QT/QFT proposed by the author.
The so-called measurement problem of quantum theory (QT) is still lacking a satisfactory, or at least widely agreed upon, solution. A number of theories, known as interpretations of quantum theory, have been proposed and found differing acceptance among physicists. Most of the proposed theories try to explain what happens during a QT measurement using a modification of the declarative equations that define the possible results of a measurement of QT observables or by making assumptions outside the scope of falsifiable physics. This paper proposes a solution to the QT measurement problem in terms of a model of the process for the evolution of two QT systems that interact in a way that represents a measurement. The model assumes that the interactions between the measured QT object and the measurement apparatus are "normal" interactions which adhere to the laws of quantum field theory. This causes certain limitations associated with QT measurements.
Based on a local causal model of the dynamics of curved discrete spacetime, a causal model of quantum field theory in curved discrete spacetime is described. At the elementary level, space(-time) is assumed to consists of interconnected space points. Each space point is connected to a small discrete set of neighbor space points. Density distribution of the space points and the lengths of the space point connections depend on the distance from the gravitational sources. This leads to curved spacetime in accordance with general relativity. Dynamics of spacetime (i.e., the emergence of space and the propagation of space changes) dynamically assigns "in-connections" and "out-connections" to the affected space points. Emergence and propagation of quantum fields (including particles) are mapped to the emergence and propagation of space changes by utilizing identical paths of in/out-connections. Compatibility with standard quantum field theory (QFT) requests the adjustment of the QFT techniques (e.g., Feynman diagrams, Feynman rules, creation/annihilation operators), which typically apply to three in/out connections, to n > 3 in/out connections. In addition, QFT computation in position space has to be adapted to a curved discrete space-time.
The long lasting discussion on the completeness of quantum theory (QT) has not yet come to an end. The discussion is impeded by the lack of a clear understanding of what makes up the contents of a theory of physics in general and of QT specifically. After such an understanding has been developed, a more precise definition of global properties, such as the completeness, computability, and extensibility of a theory, is possible and necessary. This paper addresses these subjects for theories of physics and, in particular, for QT. The basis for the definition of the completeness of a theory is the proposed definition of a "formal causal model of a physical theory". The formal model can be applied to discussions of general attributes, such as completeness, computability, and extensibility.
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