[Paper Review] Difficulties with Collapse Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics

Casey Blood|ArXiv.org|Aug 27, 2008

Quantum Mechanics and Applications1 references4 citations

TL;DR

This paper critically examines collapse interpretations of quantum mechanics, arguing that they face insurmountable theoretical and physical challenges. It contends that collapse-by-observation is logically incoherent, nonlinear collapse models require non-local and non-physical information transfer, and no consistent physical mechanism—such as particle number—can account for collapse across all cases, casting serious doubt on the viability of mathematical collapse theories.

ABSTRACT

Quantum mechanics gives many versions of reality but we perceive only one. One potential explanation for this, the one considered here, is that the wave function collapses down to just one version. The experimental situation is briefly reviewed, with no evidence found for collapse. The theoretical position is also reviewed and found wanting. Collapse-by-observation schemes are logically untenable. A mathematical theory of collapse must be nonlinear, a significant departure from current quantum theory. In addition, the primary candidate theory, the GRW-Pearle model, requires instantaneous, non-local transmission of information. It also requires transmission of information across versions of reality, which is forbidden in current quantum mechanics. And there is no apparent physical quantity, such as particle number, that can provide the mechanism for collapse in all cases. Further, these aspects, which are in disagreement with current theory, seem to be necessary for any mathematical theory of collapse. The conclusion is that the outlook for mathematical collapse schemes is not encouraging.

Motivation & Objective

• To evaluate the theoretical and physical viability of collapse interpretations in quantum mechanics.
• To identify logical inconsistencies in observation-triggered wave function collapse.
• To assess whether nonlinear collapse models can be consistently formulated without violating established quantum principles.
• To investigate whether any physical quantity can serve as a universal mechanism for collapse across all quantum systems.
• To determine whether collapse theories can be reconciled with non-locality and information flow across quantum branches.

Proposed method

• Reviewing experimental evidence for wave function collapse, finding no empirical support.
• Analyzing the logical structure of observation-based collapse, concluding it is untenable.
• Examining the GRW-Pearle model as the primary candidate, highlighting its requirement for instantaneous, non-local information transfer.
• Investigating the necessity of transmitting information across different versions of reality, which contradicts current quantum mechanics.
• Assessing whether measurable physical quantities like particle number can serve as collapse triggers in all cases.
• Evaluating the mathematical necessity of nonlinearity in any collapse theory, contrasting it with standard linear quantum mechanics.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Is the idea of wave function collapse triggered by observation logically consistent?
• RQ2 Can a nonlinear collapse theory avoid non-local or non-physical information transfer?
• RQ3 Is there a universal physical quantity that can trigger collapse in all quantum systems?
• RQ4 Can collapse models be formulated without violating the principles of current quantum mechanics?
• RQ5 Is it physically meaningful to transmit information across different branches of reality in a collapse framework?

Key findings

• Collapse-by-observation schemes are logically untenable due to foundational inconsistencies.
• Any viable mathematical collapse theory must be nonlinear, diverging from standard linear quantum mechanics.
• The GRW-Pearle model requires instantaneous, non-local transmission of information, which is problematic.
• The model also demands information transfer across different versions of reality, a process forbidden in current quantum mechanics.
• No known physical quantity, such as particle number, can serve as a universal mechanism for collapse in all cases.
• The cumulative theoretical obstacles suggest that mathematical collapse schemes are not promising for a fundamental theory of quantum measurement.