Pilot wave theory and quantum tunneling

In summary, recent research at ANU has shown that quantum tunnelling of a particle through a barrier is instantaneous, which is compatible with both the Copenhagen superposition interpretation and the deterministic pilot wave theory. Claims that pilot wave theory predicts different tunneling times have been refuted.
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johnob
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Just a question about pilot wave theory as an alternative to SQM. Researchers in ANU have recently shown that quantum tunnelling of a particle through a barrier is instantaneous. Does this finding verify the Copenhagen superposition interpretation of QM and at the same time invalidate the deterministic pilot wave theory.
 
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johnob said:
Researchers in ANU have recently shown ...

You'll have to provide more of a citation than that - there's no way any of us can say anything sensible about a piece of research that we haven't yet seen. Where is the peer-reviewed publication of this result?
 
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Apologies for the omission. That is the publication I'm referring to.
 
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johnob said:
Does this finding verify the Copenhagen superposition interpretation of QM and at the same time invalidate the deterministic pilot wave theory.
Copenhagen interpretation and pilot wave theory have the same measurable predictions. If the experiment is compatible with the former, then it is also compatible with the latter.

There have been claims in the literature that pilot wave theory makes different predictions for the tunneling time. But such claims are misleading, as explained e.g. in
http://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/1307.4366v3 [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 220404 (2013)]
 
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1. What is pilot wave theory and how does it differ from other interpretations of quantum mechanics?

Pilot wave theory, also known as de Broglie-Bohm theory, is an interpretation of quantum mechanics that proposes the existence of a guiding wave that determines the motion of particles. This is in contrast to other interpretations, such as the Copenhagen interpretation, which views particles as inherently random and without definite properties until they are observed.

2. How does pilot wave theory explain quantum tunneling?

In pilot wave theory, particles are guided by a wave that can extend beyond the classical barriers that would normally prevent them from passing through. This allows for the possibility of particles tunneling through barriers that would be impossible in other interpretations of quantum mechanics.

3. Is there any experimental evidence for pilot wave theory?

While there is some support for pilot wave theory, it is not the most widely accepted interpretation of quantum mechanics. Some experiments have been able to demonstrate the behavior of particles predicted by pilot wave theory, but there is still ongoing debate and research in this area.

4. Are there any limitations or drawbacks to pilot wave theory?

One potential limitation of pilot wave theory is that it requires the existence of a non-local guiding wave, which some scientists may find unsatisfying. Additionally, it has been criticized for not being able to fully explain certain quantum phenomena, such as the double-slit experiment.

5. How does pilot wave theory impact our understanding of the nature of reality?

Pilot wave theory raises philosophical questions about the nature of reality and the role of consciousness in determining the behavior of particles. It proposes a more deterministic view of the universe, in which particles have definite properties and their movement is guided by a wave, rather than being inherently random. However, it is still a subject of ongoing debate and further research is needed to fully understand its implications.

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