A model of the measurement process in quantum theory

Abstract

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.

An Improved “Interference Collapse Rule” of Quantum Mechanics

“…Unfortunately this alternative leads to the QT measurement problem for which there exists apparently no generally agreed upon theory. Nevertheless, the proposed "interference collapse rule" is considered by the author to be an improvement, because (a) it refers to criteria that have well-defined meanings within QT, and (b) it is compatible with a variety of interpretations of QT measurement, including the authors functional model of the QT measurement process described in [3] and the many-worlds theory described in [5].…”

“…In [3] an explanation of the QT measurement and of the QT measurement problem is given that may also serve as a basis for an improved interference collapse rule. The concept described in [3] may be summarized as follows:…”

“…The above proposed improved interference collapse rule is based on a functional model of QT measurement as described in [3]. This functional model of QT measurement contains as a major ingredient the assumption of the collapse of the wave function.…”

Collective Behavior in a Local Causal Model of Quantum Theory

“…In the model described in [16], the key assumption is that a measurement in QT must contain at least one QFT interaction of the kind described above (Section 4.4), i.e., an interaction that contains the "collapse of the wave function". As described above, the QFT interaction causes the formation of an "interaction object" and the attributes and properties of the interaction object depend on Open Access Library Journal those parts of the interacting particles that triggered the interaction.…”

“…In addition, for the measurement of entangled particles it must be explained how the measurement at particle-1 can influence the result of the measurement at particle-2, especially when the two measurements are performed at distant locations. The explanation given in [16] assumes that the two entangled particles belong to a common single quantum object with common Open Access Library Journal alternative paths for both particles. The first measurement already reduces the set of paths to a single path such that the second measurement can deliver only the correlated value.…”