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Are there unsolved problems in the interpretation of quantum mechanics?

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Open Systems and Measurement in Relativistic Quantum Theory

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Physics ((LNP,volume 526))

Abstract

One tries to identify and assess which basic problems can still be considered as unsolved, or only partly solved, in the interpretation of quantum mechanics. This means of course that one considers most other problems as satisfactorily solved, and this leads us to a brief review of the progress which has been achieved in the last two decades or so. This necessary introduction bears on three main topics: the derivation of classical physics from quantum mechanics, the decoherence effect and the method of consistent histories. Most aspects of the first two topics are now confirmed by experiment. The last one is clarified, in view of recent questioning, by considering consistent histories as a universal, sound and often intuitive language, which is remarkably convenient for a logical interpretation.

Three basic problems are then identified, namely: (i) The construction of collective observables (which is necessary as a preliminary for the formulation of classical physics and decoherence). (ii) The status of decoherence, meaning essentially: is it only valid for practical purposes or deeper? (iii) Objectification, or the uniqueness of data. These problems are discussed in a rather general way. The first one is considered as mostly technical, though difficult. A positive answer to the second problem is proposed, according to which decoherence is fundamental. It raises however a somewhat new epistemic question, which is the exact meaning of extremely small probabilities. The last problem is considered as non-existent.

In view however of some strong beliefs by competent physicists in the sound-ness of the objectification problem, this question is investigated more thoroughly. After assuming that an R process insuring real reduction exists, one defines the constraints it should obey. They are found very difficult to satisfy but, if they could be met, they might help progress in a direction differing from the one I stated above for objectification.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Physique Théorique, Université de Paris-Sud, Bâtiment 210, 91405, Orsay, France

    Roland Omnès

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  1. Roland Omnès
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Heinz-Peter Breuer Francesco Petruccione

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© 1999 Springer-Verlag

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Omnès, R. (1999). Are there unsolved problems in the interpretation of quantum mechanics?. In: Breuer, HP., Petruccione, F. (eds) Open Systems and Measurement in Relativistic Quantum Theory. Lecture Notes in Physics, vol 526. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/BFb0104403

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BFb0104403

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-65978-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-48808-8

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