Relational Solution of Measurement Problem?

[selfAdjoint]

This new paper on the arxiv, http://uk.arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0506228, proposes a solution of the measurement problem based on Smolin's idea of relational quantum mechanics.

Suppose an electron is "observed" by some lab system. But the electron also "observes" the lab! Conservation of h-bar, as given by the deBroglie relationship, implies a change in the relative space and time coordinates between the two quantum systems similar to the Lorentz transformations but based on the relative mass scale, not the relative velocity. Then the author shows how this approach solves some of the classic puzzles of quantum measurement, such as the arbitrary basis problem.

In the second half of the paper, he tries to express this relational QM as a classical theory based on a five dimensional metric (t, x, y, z, e^{i\phi}) with tensors modeled on Einstein's GR. I haven't worked through this part of the paper yet.

The paper was called to our attention by spin_network, on the Strings, Branes and LQG subforum.

 

[Spin_Network]

This new paper on the arxiv, http://uk.arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0506228, proposes a solution of the measurement problem based on Smolin's idea of relational quantum mechanics.

Suppose an electron is "observed" by some lab system. But the electron also "observes" the lab! Conservation of h-bar, as given by the deBroglie relationship, implies a change in the relative space and time coordinates between the two quantum systems similar to the Lorentz transformations but based on the relative mass scale, not the relative velocity. Then the author shows how this approach solves some of the classic puzzles of quantum measurement, such as the arbitrary basis problem.

In the second half of the paper, he tries to express this relational QM as a classical theory based on a five dimensional metric (t, x, y, z, e^{i\phi}) with tensors modeled on Einstein's GR. I haven't worked through this part of the paper yet.

The paper was called to our attention by spin_network, on the Strings, Branes and LQG subforum.

SA, I have come across a similar expression by Einstein himself, in order to compare this to the current paper, I will have to do some latex equations, and I will post the Einstein illustrated quote, hopefully it will have relevance, and thanks for highlighting this great new paper.

 

[R0man]

The proposed solution of the measurement problem based on Smolin's idea of relational quantum mechanics is certainly an interesting and novel approach. It addresses the issue of the observer and the observed being entangled in the quantum measurement process, which has long been a puzzle in quantum mechanics.

By considering the conservation of h-bar and the deBroglie relationship, the author suggests a change in the relative space and time coordinates between the two quantum systems, similar to the Lorentz transformations. This is an intriguing idea that could potentially shed light on the nature of the entanglement between the observer and the observed.

Furthermore, the author claims that this approach can solve some of the classic puzzles of quantum measurement, such as the arbitrary basis problem. This is a significant claim and if proven to be true, it could have a major impact on our understanding of quantum mechanics.

The second half of the paper attempts to express this relational quantum mechanics as a classical theory, using a five dimensional metric and tensors modeled on Einstein's general relativity. This is a bold attempt, as it would bridge the gap between the quantum and classical worlds. It would be interesting to see how this approach plays out and if it can provide a consistent and complete description of the quantum measurement process.

Overall, this paper presents a thought-provoking and promising solution to the measurement problem in quantum mechanics. It will be exciting to see how this idea develops and if it can provide a satisfactory explanation for the peculiarities of quantum measurement.