Trouble for physical collapse models?

In summary, recent experiments are challenging the long-standing physical-collapse theories that have attempted to explain the strange nature of the quantum world. Philip Ball, a science writer, believes that these experiments have essentially proven these theories to be untenable. He compares this to the concept of supersymmetry, where parameters can be adjusted to avoid being disproven, but ultimately the writing is on the wall for these theories. There is also a question raised about whether measuring a collapse model could cause the model itself to collapse.
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atyy
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https://www.quantamagazine.org/physics-experiments-spell-doom-for-quantum-collapse-theory-20221020/
Experiments Spell Doom for Decades-Old Explanation of Quantum Weirdness
Physical-collapse theories have long offered a natural solution to the central mystery of the quantum world. But a series of increasingly precise experiments are making them untenable.
Philip Ball

On Twitter, he writes "Personally I think recent experiments have indeed pretty much spelt doom for physical collapse models. They were always a long shot, and I applaud that they are testable - but the writing is on the wall."
 
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It's like supersymmetry, you can always adjust some parameters to bigger/smaller values, or construct a more complicated model, so that the general idea is not ruled out by the last experiments.
 
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Does this mean that when you measure a collapse model, the model itself collapses?
 
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PeroK said:
Does this mean that when you measure a collapse model, the model itself collapses?
I read the same article and came looking!
 
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FAQ: Trouble for physical collapse models?

What are physical collapse models in quantum mechanics?

Physical collapse models are theoretical frameworks in quantum mechanics that aim to explain the transition from quantum superpositions to definite outcomes without relying on the observer's measurement. These models propose a mechanism by which the wave function spontaneously collapses, leading to a single, definite state.

Why do physical collapse models face trouble?

Physical collapse models face trouble primarily because they often lead to inconsistencies with established physical theories, such as relativity, and can introduce new problems like energy non-conservation. Additionally, experimental evidence supporting these models is limited, making it difficult to validate their predictions.

What is the role of decoherence in addressing the issues with physical collapse models?

Decoherence provides a way to understand the apparent collapse of the wave function by describing how interactions with the environment cause quantum systems to lose coherence. This process makes different outcomes effectively classical without requiring a physical collapse, potentially addressing some issues with physical collapse models by offering an alternative explanation.

Are there any experimental tests for physical collapse models?

Yes, there are experimental tests designed to detect the predictions of physical collapse models. These experiments often look for deviations from quantum mechanical predictions, such as spontaneous localization events or excess noise. However, so far, no conclusive experimental evidence has been found to support physical collapse models over standard quantum mechanics.

How do physical collapse models relate to the measurement problem in quantum mechanics?

Physical collapse models are directly related to the measurement problem, which is the question of how and why quantum measurements result in specific outcomes. By proposing a mechanism for wave function collapse, these models attempt to provide a solution to the measurement problem, suggesting that collapse occurs objectively and independently of observation.

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