Is quantum field theory really lorentz invariant?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the Lorentz invariance of quantum field theory (QFT) and its implications for interpretations of quantum mechanics, particularly the Copenhagen and Bohmian interpretations. Participants argue that wavefunction collapse in the Copenhagen interpretation violates Lorentz invariance, while Bohmian mechanics introduces nonlocality that also conflicts with this principle. References to specific papers, including those by Asher Peres, highlight the ongoing debate about the compatibility of quantum mechanics with relativistic frameworks. The conversation concludes with skepticism regarding the ability of any interpretation to reconcile these issues without inherent contradictions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz invariance in the context of special relativity.
  • Familiarity with quantum field theory (QFT) principles.
  • Knowledge of the Copenhagen and Bohmian interpretations of quantum mechanics.
  • Awareness of nonlocality and its implications in quantum mechanics, particularly the EPR paradox.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of wavefunction collapse on Lorentz invariance in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the role of nonlocality in Bohmian mechanics and its potential resolutions.
  • Study Asher Peres' papers on quantum jumps and their relation to Lorentz invariance.
  • Investigate the many-worlds interpretation and its stance on Lorentz invariance issues.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics researchers, and anyone interested in the foundational aspects of quantum theory and its compatibility with relativistic physics.

  • #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 .
 
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