Deterministic quantum evolution through modification of the hypotheses of statistical mechanics
It is claimed that for all apparatus capable of performing macroscopic measurements of microscopic systems there exist special internal states for which deterministic quantum evolution alone yields a particular macroscopic outcome rather than a superposition of macroscopically distinct outcomes. Schulman maintains that these special states are distributed uniformly (in a certain sense) among the set of all states. He postulates that in the absence of precise information on apparatus initial conditions one should give equal weight to those microstates that are consistent with the macroscopic state and are special in the sense used above. Evidence is presented for this postulate's recovering the usual quantum probabilities. This theory is fully deterministic, has no collapsing wave functions, and offers a resolution of the quantum measurement problem through a revision of the usual statistical mechanical handling of initial conditions. It requires a single wave function for the entire universe and an all-encompassing conspiracy to arrange the right sort of special wave function for each experiment. As an example Schulman considers a Stern-Gerlach apparatus that measures the z component of the spin of silver atoms that pass through it. Although Schulman does not provide physical or philosophical justification for his central hypothesis, some perspective is given by examining the notions implicit in the usual principles of thermodynamics.
- Research Organization:
- Technion, Haifa
- OSTI ID:
- 6913411
- Journal Information:
- J. Stat. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 42:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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640106* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Cosmology