Max Born's 1926 Paper: Probability Amplitude Interpretation and Controversy

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In summary, the conversation discusses Max Born's 1926 paper where he proposed the probability amplitude interpretation of the wave function in German. Born explained that the square of the wave function is the physical probability of the particle's presence and can be used to determine its direction. It is unclear if Born specified if this interpretation is for a single particle or an ensemble, but some argue that it should be for the ensemble instead to avoid the concept of wave function collapse. It is believed that de Broglie and Schroedinger also made mistakes in their interpretations of the wave function.
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Varon
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Has anyone read Max Born paper in 1926 where he proposed about the probability amplitude interpretation of the wave function? The original paper is in german. Did he mention that that "Psi is the probability amplitude for an electron in the state n to scatter into the direction m, it is, in a sense, it's own intensity wave. When it is squared and the absolute value is taken, it turns out to be a physical probability of the associated particle's presence."?

Did Born specifically mention the probability amplitude is for single particle or for an ensemble? I assume that this automatically translate to wave function idea of a single particle. Fredrik criticised that the quantum Godfathers shouldn't have stated that the state vector is for a single particle but instead should be for the ensemble. The former entails wave function collapse, the latter has no collapse.

Do you agree Born made a mistake in attributing it to single system or particle? Why didn't Born propose that it's for an ensemble? Who influenced him and what's the arguments?
 
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The gist is that de Broglie made a mistake in thinking the wave was a solid wave. Even Schroedinger made a mistake thinking the wave was a charge and mass density. Hence some think Max also made a mistake in attributing the wave function probability interpretation to single system or particle instead of ensemble (but did he specifically state this in his Nobel winning 1926 paper?)
 
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For a good article on this, read http://www.sciencemag.org/content/218/4578/1193.abstract" , too (free).
 
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Related to Max Born's 1926 Paper: Probability Amplitude Interpretation and Controversy

What is Max Born's 1926 Paper?

Max Born's 1926 Paper, titled "Probability Amplitude Interpretation and Controversy", is a scientific paper that introduced the concept of probability amplitude in quantum mechanics. It was a significant contribution to the field and sparked a great deal of controversy and debate among scientists.

What is the probability amplitude interpretation in quantum mechanics?

The probability amplitude interpretation, introduced by Max Born in his 1926 paper, is a mathematical approach to understanding the behavior of particles on a quantum level. It involves using complex numbers to represent the probability of a particle being in a certain state, and the square of these numbers gives the actual probability of finding the particle in that state.

What was the controversy surrounding Max Born's paper?

Max Born's paper sparked controversy because it challenged the prevailing understanding of quantum mechanics at the time. It proposed a new mathematical approach that went against the ideas of the Copenhagen interpretation, which was widely accepted at the time. This led to debates and disagreements among scientists about the validity and implications of Born's theory.

How did Max Born's paper impact the field of quantum mechanics?

Max Born's paper had a significant impact on the field of quantum mechanics. It introduced a new way of understanding and interpreting the behavior of particles on a quantum level, and its mathematical approach has been widely used in the development of quantum theory. It also sparked important debates and discussions that have helped to further our understanding of this complex field.

What is the current status of the probability amplitude interpretation?

The probability amplitude interpretation proposed by Max Born in his 1926 paper is still widely used and accepted in the field of quantum mechanics. However, there are ongoing debates and discussions about its validity and implications, and it continues to be an important topic of research in the field. Some scientists have also proposed alternative interpretations, such as the Many-Worlds Interpretation, which challenge the ideas presented by Born's theory.

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