Quantum mechanics as a consistency condition on initial and final boundary conditions

Details Quantum mechanics as a consistency condition on initial and final boundary conditions Quantum mechanics as a consistency condition on initial and final boundary conditions

2006-07-25

arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0607169v1

Physics

Quantum Physics

13 pages, 2 figures, based on a talk at the conference: Time-symmetry in Quantum Mechanics, Sydney, Australia, 23-26 July 2005

Scientific paper

If the block universe view is correct, the future and the past have similar status and one would expect physical theories to involve final as well as initial boundary conditions. A plausible consistency condition between the initial and final boundary conditions in non-relativistic quantum mechanics leads to the idea that the properties of macroscopic quantum systems, relevantly measuring instruments, are uniquely determined by the boundary conditions. An important element in reaching that conclusion is that preparations and measurements belong in a special class because they involve many subsystems, at least some of which do not form superpositions of their physical properties before the boundary conditions are imposed. It is suggested that the primary role of the formalism of standard quantum mechanics is to provide the consistency condition on the boundary conditions rather than the properties of quantum systems. Expressions are proposed for assigning a set of (unmeasured) physical properties to a quantum system at all times. The physical properties avoid the logical inconsistencies implied by the no-go theorems because they are assigned differently from standard quantum mechanics. Since measurement outcomes are determined by the boundary conditions, they help determine, rather than are determined by, the physical properties of quantum systems.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Quantum mechanics as a consistency condition on initial and final boundary conditions does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Quantum mechanics as a consistency condition on initial and final boundary conditions, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Quantum mechanics as a consistency condition on initial and final boundary conditions will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-665765