The discussion centers on the applicability of Bohmian mechanics to the behavior of photons, particularly in the context of the LIGO experiment. Participants explore the relevance of different interpretations of quantum mechanics when analyzing photon paths and their implications for gravitational wave detection.
Participants express differing views on the necessity and relevance of Bohmian mechanics for analyzing photon behavior in LIGO. There is no consensus on whether this interpretation is essential for the problem at hand.
The discussion highlights the limitations of applying different ontological frameworks to photons, particularly in the context of quantum field theory versus classical interpretations. The role of intensity in LIGO's operation and its implications for understanding light behavior are also noted.
Moderator's note: I have corrected the thread title to "Bohmian".martinbn said:
We don't, because if we dislike how an interpretation works for a particular problem we don't have to use that interpretation while working that problem. But it's still legitimate to ask how a particular interpretation handles some particular problem.martinbn said:
Yes, if it is a QM question. If it is about gravitatiinal waves and LIGO, it is legitimate to ask "Why do you need so and so interpretation of QM?"Nugatory said:
Indeed, LIGO works with a very high intensity laser beam, and its high intensity implies that, to a large extent, it can be understood in terms of classical light. The high intensity is needed so that even tiny fluctuations of the gravitational field result in detectable changes of light intensity due to interference.martinbn said: