Abstract
Continuous Spontaneous Localization (CSL) is one possible explanation for dynamically induced collapse of the wave-function during a quantum measurement. The collapse is mediated by a stochastic non-linear modification of the Schrödinger equation. A consequence of the CSL mechanism is an extremely tiny violation of energy-momentum conservation, which can, in principle, be detected in the laboratory via the random diffusion of a particle induced by the stochastic collapse mechanism. In a paper in 2003, Collett and Pearle investigated the translational CSL diffusion of a sphere, and the rotational CSL diffusion of a disc, and showed that this effect dominates over the ambient environmental noise at low temperatures and extremely low pressures (about ten-thousandth of a pico-Torr). In the present paper, we revisit their analysis and argue that this stringent condition on pressure can be relaxed, and that the CSL effect can be seen at the pressure of about a pico-Torr. A similar analysis is provided for diffusion produced by gravity-induced decoherence, where the effect is typically much weaker than CSL. We also discuss the CSL induced random displacement of a quantum oscillator. Lastly, we propose possible experimental set-ups justifying that CSL diffusion is indeed measurable with the current technology.
Highlights
Continuous Spontaneous Localization (CSL) is one possible explanation for dynamically induced collapse of the wave-function during a quantum measurement
The CSL model, which is an improvement over the GRW model, takes lCSL to be 10216 sec[21] or 10217 sec21. [It has been brought to our attention by Pearle[8] that he prefers lGRW 5 lCSL 5 10216 sec[21], as used in his paper[1]
It is important to emphasise that while quantum theory is extremely successful and not contradicted by any experiment, there is a vast range in the parameter space, over which the theory has not been tested
Summary
Continuous Spontaneous Localization (CSL) is one possible explanation for dynamically induced collapse of the wave-function during a quantum measurement. In an important paper in 2003, Collett and Pearle (CP)[9] argued that for a particle of suitable size and shape at low temperatures and under extremely low pressures, the CSL diffusion dominates over thermal Brownian motion and gaseous diffusion. In order to have the CSL effect dominate over thermal diffusion and gaseous diffusion, CP proposed that experiments could be carried out at the liquid Helium temperature 4.2 K and an extraordinarily low pressure of ,5 3 10217 Torr. Under these conditions, the mean collision time of air molecules with the sphere/disc is shown to be about 80/45 minutes, allowing adequate time for observation of the CSL effect.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
