New experimental support for pilot wave theory?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around new experimental research suggesting support for the De Broglie-Bohm pilot wave theory in quantum mechanics. Participants explore the implications of this research, particularly in relation to concepts of nonlocality and realism, while referencing various interpretations of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express interest in the new research supporting pilot wave theory, questioning its implications for existing interpretations of quantum mechanics.
  • Howard Wiseman discusses terminology related to nonlocality, suggesting that violations of locality should be understood in terms of local causality rather than signaling faster than light.
  • Concerns are raised about the use of 'weak measurements' in the experiment, with some arguing that such measurements can be explained by other interpretations of quantum mechanics, not just Bohmian mechanics.
  • There is skepticism regarding the realism implied by the experimental results, with some participants preferring the Copenhagen interpretation and questioning the notion of pre-measurement properties of particles.
  • Several participants discuss the challenges of testing Bohmian mechanics experimentally, suggesting that it may be indistinguishable from standard quantum formalism.
  • Comparisons are made between Bohmian trajectories and theoretical concepts like lines of force in magnetic fields, emphasizing that measurement does not necessarily imply fundamental reality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no consensus reached on the implications of the research for pilot wave theory or the interpretations of quantum mechanics. Disagreements persist regarding the validity and interpretation of weak measurements and the nature of nonlocality.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on definitions of locality and nonlocality, as well as unresolved questions regarding the implications of weak measurements in the context of different interpretations of quantum mechanics.

  • #91
N88 said:
But I was keen to see your "tedious mathematical slog" to learn if you thought non-locality (NL) was anywhere involved. From your other recent comments here, I take it that you (like me) are not in Demystifier's camp when it comes to NL being involved in Bell's (1964) equation (3)? I'm OK with that.
So you don't agree with my post #38? May I know why?
 
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  • #92
N88 said:
In so far as our quantum world is concerned, there is an unrealistic assumption in Bell's (1964) theorem; i.e., the attribution of classicality (via λ) to quantum objects.
But Bell's ##\lambda## is equivalent to my C in post #28. Any yet, you said that my C is OK for you. So you are not being consistent.
 
  • #93
stevendaryl said:
Isn't that what Bell was trying to prove? That QM is inconsistent with certain classical assumptions?

Indeed.

What I don't understand is why he is looking at Bells original paper. Dr Chinese's write up is much simpler:
http://drchinese.com/David/Bell_Theorem_Easy_Math.htm

Once that is understood then you can look at more advanced treatments.

Thanks
Bill
 
  • #94
bhobba said:
What I don't understand is why he is looking at Bells original paper. Dr Chinese's write up is much simpler:
He wants to prove that mainstream understanding is wrong. For that purpose it is much more cool to prove that Bell was wrong than to prove that Dr Chinese is wrong.

Similarly, people who want to prove that theory of relativity is wrong often look at Einstein's original papers. Physicists who accept theory of relativity rarely look at Einstein's original papers.
 
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  • #95
stevendaryl said:
Isn't that what Bell was trying to prove? That QM is inconsistent with certain classical assumptions?
It looks as if some people don't understand the concept of reductio ad absurdum, i.e. making correct conclusion by taking a false assumption.
 
  • #96
I read the elegant paper of Dr Chinese.
Have hidden variables to give outputs to not measured things?
I think that it would be enough if they could predict them for all measurements actually done.
 
  • #97
About P(a,b)=\int d\lambda f(\lambda)P(a,b,\lambda):
Demystifier said:
. The second equation cannot be false, because it is one of the basic general laws in the theory of probability.
Not exactly, it contains the assumption that there is no superdeterminisms. Else, this could be P(a,b)=\int d\lambda f(a,b,\lambda)P(a,b,\lambda)
 
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  • #98
naima said:
Have hidden variables to give outputs to not measured things?
I think that it would be enough if they could predict them for all measurements actually done.
It is, indeed, enough. And in particular dBB theory does not define outputs to not measured things. Except for positions. But for everything else, the "measurement result", even if it is defined in a deterministic way, depends also on the unknown position of the "measurement device". So, without measurement being done there is also no hidden state of the "measurement device", and, therefore, no predicted output.

This property is known as contextuality.
 
  • #99
Ilja said:
About P(a,b)=\int d\lambda f(\lambda)P(a,b,\lambda):

Not exactly, it contains the assumption that there is no superdeterminisms. Else, this could be P(a,b)=\int d\lambda f(a,b,\lambda)P(a,b,\lambda)
Interesting! Is there a reference for that, or is it your own conclusion?
 
  • #100
No, this is my own remark. But it seems quite trivial. That superdeterminism means that the preparation is allowed to know in advance what will be decided by the experimenters is clear. Their decisions what to measure are a and b. Superdeterminism would allow the probability distribution of the hidden variables to depend on a and b. And with this additional possibility you would be unable to proof the theorem.
 
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