Chapter 3 - Bohmian Mechanics

Abstract

Bohmian mechanics refers to the ontological interpretation of quantum theory pioneered by Bohm. Quantum theory was developed primarily to find an explanation for the stability of atomic matter, specifically the planetary model of the hydrogen atom. The first derivation by analogy was done by Schrodinger with the relationship that was known to exist between wave optics and geometrical optics in the limit where the index of refraction, n does not change appreciably over distances of order λ. This condition leads to the eikonal equation, which is shown mathematically. The most common traditional definition of quantum/classical limit is explained for the point at which Planck's constant h->0. The ontological interpretation states that the particle trajectories can be associated with the quantum HJ equation in exactly the same way as in the classical cases. The EPR effect is explained by assuming two fundamental principles in this analysis. The quantum–mechanical particle–wave relationships are given in a summary. The chapter emphasizes that crystals, macromolecules, molecules, radicals, functional groups, and atoms all present various states of chemical aggregation that can be described by either a single or a product electronic wave function is shown under chemical significance.