Abstract
It is possible to empirically discriminate between the predictions of orthodox (i.e., Copenhagen) quantum theory and the de Broglie−Bohm theory of quantum mechanics. A practical experiment is proposed in which a single, laser-cooled ion inside an ultra-cold particle trap is either found to be near the trap’s walls or not. Detections of the former kind would support the prediction of orthodox quantum theory and of the latter kind would support the de Broglie−Bohm theory. The outcome of this experiment would show which theory gives the more correct description and, consequently, would have far-reaching implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics.
Highlights
The controversy over what quantum mechanics tells us about the physical world has been going on for over ninety years
What has become obvious in the twenty-first century is that arguments over these nonempirical aspects are not going to persuade the majority of the physics community to accept any of the alternatives to orthodox quantum theory (OQT), even if an alternative provides a clearer perspective on the nature of quantum processes
The wavefunction of a particle of mass m inside an “infinite” rectangular well of side lengths Lx, Ly, Lz with one corner taken as the origin of a Cartesian coordinate system has the simple form [6]: Ψnxnynz = (8/LxLyLz)1/2 sin(nxπx/Lx) sin(nyπy/Ly) sin(nzπz/Lz) exp (-iEt/ ) (1)
Summary
The controversy over what quantum mechanics tells us about the physical world has been going on for over ninety years. What has become obvious in the twenty-first century is that arguments over these nonempirical aspects are not going to persuade the majority of the physics community to accept any of the alternatives to orthodox quantum theory (OQT), even if an alternative provides a clearer perspective on the nature of quantum processes. The trapping of single quantum particles has been achieved and this too has greatly extended the scope of possible quantum measurements. These advances have reached a stage where it is possible to conduct a laboratory test which can distinguish between OQT and deBB Theory.
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