Hidden variable interpretation of spontaneous localization theory

The spontaneous localization theory of Ghirardi, Rimini, and Weber (GRW) is a theory in which wavepacket reduction is treated as a genuine physical process. Here it is shown that the mathematical formalism of GRW can be given an interpretation in terms of an evolving distribution of particles on configuration space similar to Bohmian mechanics (BM). The GRW wavefunction acts as a pilot wave for the set of particles. In addition, a continuous stream of noisy information concerning the precise whereabouts of the particles must be specified. Nonlinear filtering techniques are used to determine the dynamics of the distribution of particles conditional on this noisy information and consistency with the GRW wavefunction dynamics is demonstrated. Viewing this development as a hybrid BM-GRW theory, it is argued that, besides helping to clarify the relationship between the GRW theory and BM, its merits make it worth considering in its own right.Comment: 13 page

Dynamical state reduction in an EPR experiment

A model is developed to describe state reduction in an EPR experiment as a continuous, relativistically-invariant, dynamical process. The system under consideration consists of two entangled isospin particles each of which undergo isospin measurements at spacelike separated locations. The equations of motion take the form of stochastic differential equations. These equations are solved explicitly in terms of random variables with a priori known probability distribution in the physical probability measure. In the course of solving these equations a correspondence is made between the state reduction process and the problem of classical nonlinear filtering. It is shown that the solution is covariant, violates Bell inequalities, and does not permit superluminal signaling. It is demonstrated that the model is not governed by the Free Will Theorem and it is argued that the claims of Conway and Kochen, that there can be no relativistic theory providing a mechanism for state reduction, are false.Comment: 19 pages, 3 figure

Relativistic state reduction dynamics

A mechanism describing state reduction dynamics in relativistic quantum field theory is outlined. The mechanism involves nonlinear stochastic modifications to the standard description of unitary state evolution and the introduction of a relativistic field in which a quantized degree of freedom is associated to each point in spacetime. The purpose of this field is to mediate in the interaction between classical stochastic influences and conventional quantum fields. The equations of motion are Lorentz covariant, frame independent, and do not result in divergent behavior. It is shown that the mathematical framework permits the specification of unambiguous local properties providing a connection between the model and evidence of real world phenomena. The collapse process is demonstrated for an idealized example.Comment: 20 pages, 2 figures, replacement with minor correction