14,794 research outputs found
Interpreting Quantum Mechanics in Terms of Random Discontinuous Motion of Particles
This thesis is an attempt to reconstruct the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics. First, we argue that the wave function in quantum mechanics is a description of random discontinuous motion of particles, and the modulus square of the wave function gives the probability density of the particles being in certain locations in space. Next, we show that the linear non-relativistic evolution of the wave function of an isolated system obeys the free Schrödinger equation due to the requirements of spacetime translation invariance and relativistic invariance. Thirdly, we argue that the random discontinuous motion of particles may lead to a stochastic, nonlinear collapse evolution of the wave function. A discrete model of energy-conserved wavefunction collapse is proposed and shown to be consistent with existing experiments and our macroscopic experience. In addition, we also give a critical analysis of the de Broglie-Bohm theory, the many-worlds interpretation and dynamical collapse theories, and briefly analyze the problem of the incompatibility between quantum mechanics and special relativity
Quantum collapse, consciousness and superluminal communication
The relation between quantum collapse, consciousness and superluminal communication is analyzed. As we know, quantum collapse, if exists, can result in the appearance of quantum nonlocality, and requires the existence of a preferred Lorentz frame. This may permit the realization of quantum superluminal communication (QSC), which will no longer result in the usual causal loop in case of the existence of a preferred Lorentz frame. The possibility of the existence of QSC is further analyzed under the assumption that quantum collapse is a real process. We demonstrate that the combination of quantum collapse and the consciousness of the observer will permit the observer to distinguish nonorthogonal states in principle. This provides a possible way to realize QSC. Some implications of the existence of QSC are briefy discussed
Why gravity is not an entropic force
The remarkable connections between gravity and thermodynamics seem to imply that gravity is not
fundamental but emergent, and in particular, as Verlinde suggested, gravity is probably an entropic force. In this
paper, we will argue that the idea of gravity as an entropic force is debatable. It is shown that there is no
convincing analogy between gravity and entropic force in Verlinde’s example. Neither holographic screen nor test
particle satisfies all requirements for the existence of entropic force in a thermodynamics system. As a result, there is no entropic force in the gravity system. Furthermore, we show that the entropy increase of the screen is not caused by its statistical tendency to increase entropy as required by the existence of entropic force, but in fact caused by gravity. Therefore, Verlinde’s argument for the entropic origin of gravity is problematic. In addition, we argue that the existence of a minimum size of spacetime, together with the Heisenberg uncertainty principle in quantum theory, may imply the fundamental existence of gravity as a geometric property of spacetime. This provides a further support for the conclusion that gravity is not an entropic force
Three possible implications of spacetime discreteness
We analyze the possible implications of the discreteness of spacetime, which is defined here as the existence of a minimum observable interval of spacetime. First, it is argued that the discreteness of spacetime may result in the existence of a finite invariant speed when combining with the principle of relativity. Next, it is argued that when combining with the uncertainty principle, the discreteness of space seems to require that spacetime is curved by matter, and the dynamical relationship between matter and spacetime holds true not only for macroscopic objects but also for microscopic particles. Moreover, the Einstein gravitational constant can also be determined in terms of the minimum size of discrete spacetime. Thirdly, it is argued that the discreteness of time may result in the dynamical collapse of the wave function, and the minimum size of discrete spacetime also yields a plausible collapse criterion consistent with experiments. These heuristic arguments might provide a deeper understanding of the special and general relativity and quantum theory, and also have implications for the solutions to the measurement problem and the problem of quantum gravity
China – The new Chinese contract law: a brief introduction
Overview of the first unified contract law in China, formulated on the basis of Chinese experience with reference to relevant international models. Published in the Letter from … section of Amicus Curiae - Journal of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and its Society for Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London
The Wave Function and Quantum Reality
We investigate the meaning of the wave function by analyzing the mass and
charge density distribution of a quantum system. According to protective
measurement, a charged quantum system has mass and charge density proportional
to the modulus square of its wave function. It is shown that the mass and
charge density is not real but effective, and it is formed by the ergodic
motion of a localized particle with the total mass and charge of the system.
Moreover, it is argued that the ergodic motion is not continuous but
discontinuous and random. This result suggests a new interpretation of the wave
function, according to which the wave function is a description of random
discontinuous motion of particles, and the modulus square of the wave function
gives the probability density of the particles being in certain locations. It
is shown that the suggested interpretation of the wave function disfavors the
de Broglie-Bohm theory and the many-worlds interpretation but favors the
dynamical collapse theories, and the random discontinuous motion of particles
may provide an appropriate random source to collapse the wave function.Comment: 8 pages, no figure
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