dorsal/arxiv
View SchemaUncollapsing the wave function
| Authors | John Ashmead |
|---|---|
| Categories | |
| ArXiv ID | quant-ph/0301016 |
| URL | https://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0301016 |
Abstract
The space quantization induced by a Stern-Gerlach experiment is normally explained by invoking the ``collapse of the wave function.'' This is a rather mysterious idea; it would be better to explain the Stern-Gerlach results without using it. We re-analyze the Stern-Gerlach experiment using path integrals. We find if we model explicitly the finite width of the beam, coherent interference within the beam itself provides the space quantization -- without need to invoke the collapse. If we insist on employing only wave functions with the space and spin parts kept forcibly disentangled, we recreate the need to invoke the collapse. The collapse-free approach makes more specific predictions about the shape and position of the scattered beams; if the interaction region has finite length, these may be testable. Pending experimental disambiguation, the chief arguments in favor of the collapse-free approach are that it is simpler and less mysterious, has no adjustable parameters, and requires the invocation of no new forces.
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"date_created": "2026-03-02T18:01:56.385000Z",
"date_modified": "2026-03-02T18:01:56.385000Z",
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"abstract": "The space quantization induced by a Stern-Gerlach experiment is normally\nexplained by invoking the ``collapse of the wave function.\u0027\u0027 This is a rather\nmysterious idea; it would be better to explain the Stern-Gerlach results\nwithout using it. We re-analyze the Stern-Gerlach experiment using path\nintegrals. We find if we model explicitly the finite width of the beam,\ncoherent interference within the beam itself provides the space quantization --\nwithout need to invoke the collapse. If we insist on employing only wave\nfunctions with the space and spin parts kept forcibly disentangled, we recreate\nthe need to invoke the collapse. The collapse-free approach makes more specific\npredictions about the shape and position of the scattered beams; if the\ninteraction region has finite length, these may be testable. Pending\nexperimental disambiguation, the chief arguments in favor of the collapse-free\napproach are that it is simpler and less mysterious, has no adjustable\nparameters, and requires the invocation of no new forces.",
"arxiv_id": "quant-ph/0301016",
"authors": [
"John Ashmead"
],
"categories": [
"quant-ph"
],
"title": "Uncollapsing the wave function",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0301016"
},
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"source": {
"execution_id": "b2131bd4-01d2-4c2c-96df-3f56bd151661",
"id": "arXiv Dataset IDs",
"type": "Model",
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