How Does 'Collapse' Occur in Bohm Mech.

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter StevieTNZ
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Collapse
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of wave function collapse in Bohmian Mechanics, emphasizing that in this interpretation, the wave function does not collapse as it does in traditional quantum mechanics. Instead, each particle maintains a definite position guided by the pilot wave, which is derived from the Schrödinger equation. Over time, irrelevant parts of the wave function can be disregarded, mimicking the effect of collapse by focusing solely on the actual configuration of the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bohmian Mechanics
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation
  • Knowledge of wave function behavior in quantum mechanics
  • Concept of pilot waves in quantum theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the implications of pilot wave theory in quantum mechanics
  • Study the differences between Bohmian Mechanics and traditional quantum mechanics
  • Investigate experimental evidence supporting Bohmian Mechanics
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of wave functions in quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in alternative interpretations of quantum theory, particularly those focusing on the implications of wave function behavior and pilot wave theory.

StevieTNZ
Messages
1,944
Reaction score
837
How does one obtain a collapse of the wave function in Bohm Mechanics? The pilot wave is guided by the Scrodinger equation - but how do definite states arise?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No body really knows... Its just an experimental fact. Wave functions collapse, and give a result with the appropriate probability.
 
In Bohmian mechanics there is no collapse. Each particle has a definite position guided by the pilot wave, which is essentially the wave function of traditional QM. This wave function never collapses.

However, over time certain parts of the wave function become irrelevant, as they deal with configurations of the system far from the actual, definite configuration. Accordingly the system's actual configuration will never again be affected by these parts of the wave function. If we are doing a calculation we can forget about these parts of the wave function, or set them to zero. Doing so is exactly the same thing as collapsing the wave function in traditional QM.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad The TSVF interpretation of quantum mechanics
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Experiment distinguishes Standard QM vs Bohm: Asymmetric beam splitter
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Undergrad Investigations to find the cause of wave collapse?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad Does a "physically real" quantum interpretation exist?
  • · Replies 68 ·
3
Replies
68
Views
6K
Graduate A retrocausal amendment to de Broglie-Bohm pilot wave theory
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
Graduate Alternative model for counterfactual definiteness in Bohm-like EPR
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Graduate The collapse of the wave function?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Graduate Von Neumann QM Rules Equivalent to Bohm?
  • · Replies 235 ·
8
Replies
235
Views
18K
High School New hypothesis of continuous wave function collapse
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Graduate Does Bohmian Mechanics yield the existence of a multiverse?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K