VIRTUAL PARTICLE INTERPRETATION OF QUANTUM MECHANICS - a non-dualistic model with a natural probability interpretation

Janne Karimki, Helsinki University of Technology PPP, Konstanz 2005-08-08

Background
Hydrodynamic interpretation of QM (Madelung 1926) Pilot wave theory (De Broglie 1926, 1927, Bohm 1952) These solved some problems, but they also have problems of their own

Aims of the present approach

To have a clear ontology for QM To describe QM in a causal way To get rid of the wave-particle dualism in pilot wave theories To provide a theoretical framework for describing creation and annihilation of particles To provide a possible connection between particle QM and virtual particles in QFT

Virtual particle interpretation

Wave function is replaced by a uid of particles ( = 2)

(short description)

The bulk of the uid is formed by so called "virtual" particles, which are unobservable In this uid are a few "real" particles, which are observable The property of meing measurable is the only distinction between real and virtual particles here

Formulas
= 1/2exp(iS/ ), Hydrodynamic equations of QM: 1 = ( S) t m 2 2 S (S)2 = V + . t 2m 2m Particle velocity: v= Quantum potential: Q= Using velocity and uid density as variables: = (v) t m Equation of motion for the particles: ma = FClassical + F Quantum , Here FClassical is caused by real particles and potentials and F Quantum by the uid. (8) 1 v = ( mv2 + V + Q) 2 t (6) 2 . 2m
2

(1)

(2)

(3)

1 S , m

(4)

(5)

(7)

Quantum Probability in VPI

In pilot wave theories the initial probability (P = 2) must be assumed In VPI the probability is simply proportional to the uid density This is the natural probabilistic measure of nding the real particle in the uid Works with the most classical denition of probability one can imagine Born rule is a natural consequence of the theory!

Good features inherited from pilot wave theories

Well dened (ontological) structure Objectivity Causality Determinism

Problems of pilot wave theories solved by VPI

No wave-particle dualism No asymmetric wave-particle relationship Quantum probability law (Born rule) is a natural consequence of the theory

Things to study
Which is more fundamental: or ? Discretized versions of VPI (Graphs) Quantum and relativity connection (ow of clocks) Properties of the virtual particle uid The relationship of virtual particles in VPI and those in QFT QFT and VPI in general (cf. Nikoli)

Conclusions
Simple model with classical concepts Many things (including the Born rule) are made easy QFT has a decisive role in determining the value of the proposed model

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