Is quantum field theory really lorentz invariant?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether quantum field theory (QFT) is truly Lorentz invariant, particularly in light of interpretations of quantum mechanics such as the Copenhagen and Bohmian interpretations. Participants explore the implications of wavefunction collapse, nonlocality, and measurement processes in relation to Lorentz invariance.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses doubt about the compatibility of wavefunction collapse with Lorentz invariance, questioning if QFT has resolved this issue.
  • Another participant suggests that despite nonlocality, it is possible to make the Bohmian interpretation Lorentz invariant without relying on QFT.
  • Measurement is described as inherently non-covariant due to the need for an observer, which introduces a preferred time-slicing of spacetime.
  • Some argue that the dynamics of quantum systems can be structured to maintain Lorentz invariance, with measurement being the only non-relativistic aspect.
  • There is a contention regarding the interpretation of "observer," with one participant asserting that measuring devices are sufficient without the need for a conscious observer.
  • Concerns are raised about the Multi World Theory (MWT) and its ability to address issues of Lorentz invariance, with some participants skeptical of its necessity.
  • A reference is made to a paper by Asher Peres that discusses the implications of quantum jumps in different Lorentz frames and conditions that prevent superluminal signaling.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether quantum field theory is Lorentz invariant. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the implications of wavefunction collapse, measurement, and interpretations of quantum mechanics.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include the dependence on specific interpretations of quantum mechanics, the unresolved nature of how nonlocality interacts with Lorentz invariance, and the philosophical implications of the term "observer." The discussion also highlights the complexity of reconciling different interpretations with the principles of relativity.

  • #31
Demystifier said:
By the way, thanks for not writing my name as "Nicolic", which for some reason many people do. :-)

Sorry for that. I know the pain.
 
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  • #32
By the way, if you write "Nicolic" in the google, the first thing it writes is:
"Did you mean: Nikolic"
 
  • #33
Sam_Goldberg said:
Specifically, at low energies it appears as if the wavefunction on 4n dimensional configuration space has a nonzero value only when the time coordinates for all the particles are equal, and I'm still not clear how that mathematically arises.

Well, whatever it is, it must be the case that in the limit for c goes to infinity (or small energies) the wave function for a single particle system satisfies

\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\int{|\psi(x,t)|^2 d^3x}\rightarrow 0

so that we can normalize the integral over space and use the wave-function-squared as a probability density at each time t, so that time reduces to a parameter.

For multiple particles, you would have to express the wave-function in a many-time formulation, as Demystifier says, so that the wave-function would represent the probability amplitude of observing the first particle at x1,t1, the second particle at x2,t2, etc. The non-relativistic limit would be letting c go to infinity and setting t1 = t2 = ... = tn = t. But the wave-function is not necessarily zero if the times are unequal. It's just that you can only restore the usual time-parametrized Schrödinger picture by setting them equal.

I'm glossing over some fine points, but that is essence of it .
 
Last edited:

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