Many Worlds and Quantum Field Theory

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI) in quantum field theory (QFT). It is mentioned that while MWI is often referred to as the working out of the universal wave-function through Schroedinger's Equation, this equation is only valid in non-relativistic scenarios. The possibility of relativizing MWI and the existence of the Schroedinger picture in rigorous relativistic QFT are also discussed, with the conclusion that the Heisenberg picture is more commonly used. There is some recent work on constructing a Schroedinger picture in rigorous relativistic QFT, but it is not clear if it is in agreement with observations.
  • #1
bhobba
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I have been meaning to ask this one for a while - but never seem to get around to it.

In MW its sometimes said it's simply the working out of the universal wave-function via Schroedinger's Equation. Of course Schroedinger's Equation is only valid non-relativistically.

Wallace doesn't really consider it - although he considers NRQM in Fock Space. And I have read where its trivial to relativise MW.

Maybe I am missing something, but it doesn't seem that trivial to me.

Thanks
Bill
 
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  • #2
Even if there is no wave function in QFT, there is a quantum state (in the Hilbert space) in QFT. And usually (except perhaps in quantum gravity described by the Wheeler-DeWitt equation), this state is time dependent and satisfies a functional Schrodinger equation, which is associated with the field Hamiltonian derived from the field action. So obviously, MWI in QFT refers to this time-dependent state.
 
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  • #3
But rigourously speaking, does the Schroedinger picture exist for relativistic QFT?

As far as I understand, most of the rigourous QFTs (no UV cutoff, infinite volume) are constructed using the Wightman axioms, which is more the Heisenberg picture.

I tried looking up whether the Schroedinger picture can exist for rigourous relativistic QFT, and the work seems much more recent, eg. Urs Schreiber, AQFT from n-functorial QFT, http://arxiv.org/abs/0806.1079.
 
  • #4
atyy said:
rigourous QFTs (no UV cutoff, infinite volume)
I wonder, is there any evidence that such rigorous QFT is in agreement with observations? (Perhaps vanhees71 could say something about that.)
 
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FAQ: Many Worlds and Quantum Field Theory

What is the Many Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics?

The Many Worlds Interpretation (MWI) is a theory that suggests the existence of parallel universes or alternate realities. According to this interpretation, every time a quantum measurement is made, the universe splits into multiple branches, with each branch corresponding to a different outcome of the measurement. This means that every possible outcome of a quantum event actually occurs in a separate universe.

How does the Many Worlds Interpretation differ from other interpretations of Quantum Mechanics?

The Many Worlds Interpretation differs from other interpretations, such as the Copenhagen Interpretation, in that it does not require the concept of wave function collapse. Instead, all possible outcomes of a quantum event are considered to be equally real and existing in separate universes. This interpretation also allows for the existence of parallel universes, which is not a feature of other interpretations.

What is Quantum Field Theory?

Quantum Field Theory (QFT) is a theoretical framework that combines the principles of quantum mechanics with those of special relativity. It describes the behavior of particles and fields at the subatomic level, and is considered to be the most accurate and comprehensive theory of particle physics. QFT allows for the prediction and calculation of various physical phenomena, such as particle interactions and the creation and annihilation of particles.

How does Quantum Field Theory relate to the Many Worlds Interpretation?

Quantum Field Theory is the mathematical framework used to study the behavior of particles and fields in the Many Worlds Interpretation. It provides a way to mathematically describe the multiple universes and the different outcomes of quantum measurements. QFT also allows for the calculation of probabilities for different outcomes, which is an important aspect of the Many Worlds Interpretation.

What evidence supports the Many Worlds Interpretation and Quantum Field Theory?

There is currently no direct evidence for the Many Worlds Interpretation or Quantum Field Theory. However, the predictions and calculations made using these theories have been confirmed by numerous experiments and observations in the field of quantum mechanics and particle physics. The consistency and accuracy of these theories in describing and predicting physical phenomena provide strong support for their validity.

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