Quantum discreteness is an illusion

• Verfasst von: Zeh, Heinz-Dieter [VerfasserIn]
• Titel: Quantum discreteness is an illusion
• Verf.angabe: H. Dieter Zeh
• Jahr: 2010
• Umfang: 18 S.
• Fussnoten: Published: 01 December 2009 ; Gesehen am 10.04.024
• Titel Quelle: Enthalten in: Foundations of physics
• Ort Quelle: New York, NY [u.a.] : Springer Science + Business Media B.V., 1970
• Jahr Quelle: 2010
• Band/Heft Quelle: 40(2010), 9, Seite 1476-1493
• ISSN Quelle: 1572-9516
• DOI: doi:10.1007/s10701-009-9383-9
• Datenträger: Online-Ressource
• Sprache: eng
• Sach-SW: Decoherence
• Sach-SW: Nonlocality
• Sach-SW: Particle concept
• Sach-SW: Quantum events
• K10plus-PPN: 1885519338

Abstract

I review arguments demonstrating how the concept of “particle” numbers arises in the form of equidistant energy eigenvalues of coupled harmonic oscillators representing free fields. Their quantum numbers (numbers of nodes of the wave functions) can be interpreted as occupation numbers for objects with a formal mass (defined by the field equation) and spatial wave number (“momentum”) characterizing classical field modes. A superposition of different oscillator eigenstates, all consisting of n modes having one node, while all others have none, defines a non-degenerate “n-particle wave function”. Other discrete properties and phenomena (such as particle positions and “events”) can be understood by means of the fast but continuous process of decoherence: the irreversible dislocalization of superpositions. Any wave-particle dualism thus becomes obsolete. The observation of individual outcomes of this decoherence process in measurements requires either a subsequent collapse of the wave function or a “branching observer” in accordance with the Schrödinger equation—both possibilities applying clearly after the decoherence process. Any probability interpretation of the wave function in terms of local elements of reality, such as particles or other classical concepts, would open a Pandora’s box of paradoxes, as is illustrated by various misnomers that have become popular in quantum theory.