Pilot wave models and "no cross" rule

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between average trajectories derived from weak measurements and the 'no-crossing rule' in Bohmian mechanics. It establishes that weakly measured trajectories are equivalent to single-particle Bohmian trajectories. A critical theorem states that Bohmian trajectories do not cross in space when the wave function is stationary, although crossing can occur in non-stationary conditions, yet not in space-time. The implications of these findings suggest that individual trajectories in pilot wave models can cross while maintaining the no-crossing rule at the average level.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bohmian mechanics
  • Familiarity with weak measurements in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of stationary and non-stationary wave functions
  • Concept of average velocity vectors in trajectory analysis
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  • Study the implications of weak measurements in quantum mechanics
  • Research the theorem regarding stationary wave functions and trajectory behavior
  • Explore Couder-type walking droplet experiments and their relevance to pilot wave models
  • Investigate the mathematical framework of Bohmian mechanics
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Physicists, quantum mechanics researchers, and students interested in the foundations of quantum theory and pilot wave models.

bohm2
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From my understanding, average trajectories based on weak "measurements", obey the 'no-crossing rule'. These average trajectories strongly resemble the single-photon trajectories predicted by Bohmian mechanics:
For instance compare these average trajectories:
http://materias.df.uba.ar/labo5Aa2012c2/files/2012/10/Weak-measurement.pdf

with Bohmian ones:



Since the trajectories were formed by connecting 'average' velocity vectors, does it then imply that some of actual individual trajectories (within any realist pilot wave model-Bohmian or otherwise) can cross the center line? I'm asking because in some pilot-wave analogs of QM (Couder-type walking droplet experiments), crossing over does occur. I'm guessing I messed this up, and in fact, crossing over at individual trajectory level is fully compatible with no-crossing over at the average level?
 
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bohm2 said:
From my understanding, average trajectories based on weak "measurements", obey the 'no-crossing rule'. These average trajectories strongly resemble the single-photon trajectories predicted by Bohmian mechanics:
For instance compare these average trajectories:
http://materias.df.uba.ar/labo5Aa2012c2/files/2012/10/Weak-measurement.pdf

with Bohmian ones:



Since the trajectories were formed by connecting 'average' velocity vectors, does it then imply that some of actual individual trajectories (within any realist pilot wave model-Bohmian or otherwise) can cross the center line? I'm asking because in some pilot-wave analogs of QM (Couder-type walking droplet experiments), crossing over does occur. I'm guessing I messed this up, and in fact, crossing over at individual trajectory level is fully compatible with no-crossing over at the average level?

First, the weakly measured trajectories do not merely resemble single-particle Bohmian trajectories. They are equal to them.
Second, there is a general theorem that Bohmian trajectories never cross in space if the wave function is stationary. For a non-stationary wave function the crossing in space is possible, but even than there is no crossing in space-time.
 

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