Suggested interpretation of the quantum theory in terms of hidden variables I [-II] [all published], pp. 166-79 [-180-93] in Physical Review Vol. 85, No. 2, January 15, 1952. HIDDEN VARIABLES

BOHM, David

Published by American Institute of Physics, 1952

About this Item

First edition, complete journal issue in original printed wrappers, of Bohm's deterministic "hidden variables" approach to quantum theory. "Bohm's primary contribution to Quantum Theory lies in his attempt to construct an ordinary reality interpretation in terms of 'hidden variables.' Bohm considered this interpretation of Quantum Theory to be a significant advance in the development of the theory, one that might appease the many critics who, having aligned themselves with Einstein, still maintained that Quantum Theory is incomplete. This claim as to the possible existence of 'hidden variables' would serve as a springboard for future analysis and experimentation by people like Bell and Aspect, who would be instrumental in finally closing the book on the completeness debate" (Dolling et al., The Tests of Time). "Bohmian mechanics, which is also called the de Broglie-Bohm theory, the pilot-wave model, and the causal interpretation of quantum mechanics, is a version of quantum theory discovered by Louis de Broglie in 1927 and rediscovered by David Bohm in 1952. It is the simplest example of what is often called a hidden variables interpretation of quantum mechanics. In Bohmian mechanics a system of particles is described in part by its wave function, evolving, as usual, according to Schrödinger's equation. However, the wave function provides only a partial description of the system. This description is completed by the specification of the actual positions of the particles. The latter evolve according to the guiding equation, which expresses the velocities of the particles in terms of the wave function. Thus, in Bohmian mechanics the configuration of a system of particles evolves via a deterministic motion choreographed by the wave function. In particular, when a particle is sent into a two-slit apparatus, the slit through which it passes and its location upon arrival on the photographic plate are completely determined by its initial position and wave function. Bohmian mechanics inherits and makes explicit the nonlocality implicit in the notion, common to just about all formulations and interpretations of quantum theory, of a wave function on the configuration space of a many-particle system. It accounts for all of the phenomena governed by nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, from spectral lines and scattering theory to superconductivity, the quantum Hall effect and quantum computing. In particular, the usual measurement postulates of quantum theory, including collapse of the wave function and probabilities given by the absolute square of probability amplitudes, emerge from an analysis of the two equations of motion: Schrödinger's equation and the guiding equation. No invocation of a special, and somewhat obscure, status for observation is required" (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Large 8vo. Original printed wrappers.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1475170792601

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Suggested interpretation of the quantum theory in terms of hidden variables I [-II] [all published], pp. 166-79 [-180-93] in Physical Review Vol. 85, No. 2, January 15, 1952. HIDDEN VARIABLES
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics
• Publication Date: 1952
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good