An investigation of two-time correlation functions is reported within the framework of (i) Stochastic Quantum Mechanics and (ii) conventional Heisenberg-Schrödinger Quantum Mechanics. The spectral functions associated with the two-time electric dipole correlation functions are worked out in detail for the case of the hydrogen atom. While the single time averages are identical for stochastic and conventional quantum mechanics, differences arise in the two approaches for multiple time correlation functions.
We derive the classical Hamilton-Jacobi equation from first principles as the natural description for smooth stochastic processes when one neglects stochastic velocity fluctuations. The Schrödinger equation is shown to be the natural exact equation for describing smooth stochastic processes. In particular, processes with up to quadratic stochastic fluctuations are electromagnetically coupled quantum point particles. The stochastic derivation offers a clear geometric picture for Quantum Mechanics as a locally realistic hidden variable theory. While that sounds paradoxical, we show that Bell's f…
Bohm Mechanics and Nelson Stochastic Mechanics are confronted with Quantum Mechanics in presence of non-interacting subsystems. In both cases, it is shown that correlations at different times of compatible position observables on stationary states agree with Quantum Mechanics only in the case of product wave functions. By appropriate Bell-like inequalities it is shown that no classical theory, in particular no stochastic process, can reproduce the quantum mechanical correlations of position variables of non interacting systems at different times.
The Feynman integral is given a stochastic interpretation in the framework of Nelson's stochastic mechanics employing a time-symmetric variant of Nelson's kinematics recently developed by the author.
The von Neumann collapse of the quantum mechanical wavefunction after a position measurement is derived by a purely probabilistic mechanism in the context of Nelson's stochastic mechanics.
Momentum is analyzed as a random variable in stochastic quantum mechanics. Arbitrary potential energy functions are considered. The oscillator is presented as an example.
By using path integrals, the stochastic process associated to the time evolution of the quantum probability density is formally rewritten in terms of a stochastic differential equation, given by Newton's equation of motion with an additional multiplicative stochastic force. However, the term playing the role of the stochastic force is defined by a non-positive-definite probability functional, providing a clear example of the negative (or "extended") probabilities characteristic of quantum mechanics.
Stochastic realization of the wave function in quantum mechanics, with the inclusion of soliton representation of extended particles, is discussed. The concept of Stochastic Qubits is used for quantum computing modeling.
The connection is established between two theories that have developed independently with the aim to describe quantum mechanics as a stochastic process, namely stochastic quantum mechanics (sqm) and stochastic electrodynamics (sed). Important commonalities and complementarities between the two theories are identified, notwithstanding their dissimilar origins and approaches. Further, the dynamical equation of sqm is completed with the radiation terms that are an integral element in sed. The central problem of the transition to the quantum dynamics is addressed, pointing to the key role of diffu…
A coarse-grained quantum operator technique is used along with the formalism of Bohmian mechanics endowed with stochastic character at the quantum level in order to address some central issues in the quantum theory of measurement. A surprisingly simple picture of decoherence and EPR correlations emerges from its use.
It is shown that the stochastic model of Fenyes and Nelson can be generalized in such a way that the diffusion constant of the Markov theory becomes a free parameter. This extra freedom allows one to identify quantum mechanics with a class of Markov processes with diffusion constants varying from zero to infinity.
We consider a stochastic process which is (a) described by a continuous-time Markov chain on only short time-scales and (b) constrained to conserve a number of hidden quantities on long time-scales. We assume that the transition matrix of the Markov chain is given and the conserved quantities are known to exist, but not explicitly given. To study the stochastic dynamics we propose to use the principle of stationary entropy production. Then the problem can be transformed into a variational problem for a suitably defined action and with time-dependent Lagrange multipliers. We show that the stoch…
Stochastic extensions of the Schrodinger equation have attracted attention recently as plausible models for state reduction in quantum mechanics. Here we formulate a general approach to stochastic Schrodinger dynamics in the case of a nonlinear state space of the type proposed by Kibble. We derive a number of new identities for observables in the nonlinear theory, and establish general criteria on the curvature of the state space sufficient to ensure collapse of the wave function.
By means of the examples of classical and Bohmian quantum mechanics, we illustrate the well-known ideas of Boltzmann as to how one gets from laws defined for the universe as a whole to dynamical relations describing the evolution of subsystems. We explain how probabilities enter into this process, what quantum and classical probabilities have in common and where exactly their difference lies.
The reinterpretation of quantum mechanical formalism in terms of a classical model with a continuous material "$Ψ$-field" acting upon a point-like particle which is subjected to large friction and random forces is proposed. This model gives a mechanism for sudden "quantum jumps" and provides a simple explanation of "Schrödinger Cat" phenomena.
A subjective survey of stochastic models of quantum mechanics is given along with a discussion of some key radiative processes, the clues they offer, and the difficulties they pose for this program. An electromagnetic basis for deriving quantum mechanics is advocated, and various possibilities are considered. It is argued that only non-local or non-causal theories are likely to be a successful basis for such a derivation.
The origin of the algebra of the non-commuting operators of quantum mechanics is explained in the general Fenyes-Nelson stochastic models in which the diffusion constant is a free parameter. This is achieved by continuing the diffusion constant to imaginary values, a continuation which destroys the physical interpretation, but does not affect experimental predictions. This continuation leads to great mathematical simplification in the stochastic theory, and to an understanding of the entire mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics. It is more than a formal construction because the diffusion…
In this paper we are interested in unraveling the mathematical connections between the stochastic derivation of Schrödinger equation and ours. It will be shown that these connections are given by means of the time-energy dispersion relation and will allow us to interpret this relation on more sounded grounds. We also discuss the underlying epistemology.
We study a (relativistic) Wiener process on a complexified (pseudo-)Riemannian manifold. Using Nelson's stochastic quantization procedure, we derive three equivalent descriptions for this problem. If the process has a purely real quadratic variation, we obtain the one-sided Wiener process that is encountered in the theory of Brownian motion. In this case, the result coincides with the Feyman-Kac formula. On the other hand, for a purely imaginary quadratic variation, we obtain the two-sided Wiener process that is encountered in stochastic mechanics, which provides a stochastic description of a …
Intracavity and external third order correlations in the damped nondegenerate parametric oscillator are calculated for quantum mechanics and stochastic electrodynamics (SED), a semiclassical theory. The two theories yield greatly different results, with the correlations of quantum mechanics being cubic in the system's nonlinear coupling constant and those of SED being linear in the same constant. In particular, differences between the two theories are present in at least a mesoscopic regime. They also exist when realistic damping is included. Such differences illustrate distinctions between qu…
It is demonstrated how quantum mechanics emerges from the stochastic dynamics of force-carriers. It is shown that the quantum Moyal equation corresponds to some dynamic correlations between the momentum of a real particle and the position of a virtual particle, which are not present in classical mechanics. The new concept throws light on the physical meaning of quantum theory, showing that the Planck constant square is a second-second cross-cumulant.
It is shown that the Bohm equations for the phase $S$ and squared modulus $ρ$ of the quantum mechanical wave function can be derived from the classical ensemble equations admiting an aditional momentum $p_s$ of the form proportional to the osmotic velocity in the Nelson stochastic mechanics and using the variational principle with appropriate change of variables. The possibility to treat grad$S$ and $p_s$ as two parts of the momentum of quantum ensemble particles is considered from the view point of uncertainty relations of Robertson - Schroedinger type on the examples of the stochastic image …
We consider the Bohr correspondence limit of the Schrodinger wave function for an atomic elliptic state. We analyse this limit in the context of Nelson's stochastic mechanics, exposing an underlying deterministic dynamical system in which trajectories converge to Keplerian motion on an ellipse. This solves the long standing problem of obtaining Kepler's laws of planetary motion in a quantum mechanical setting. In this quantum mechanical setting, local mild instabilities occur in the Kelperian orbit for eccentricities greater than 1/\sqrt{2} which do not occur classically.
We prove a theorem showing that quantum mechanics is not directly a stochastic process characterizing Brownian motion but rather its square root. This implies that a complex-valued stochastic process is involved. Schrödinger equation is immediately derived without further assumptions using Itō integrals that are properly generalized. Fluctuations in space arise from a Brownian motion and the combined effect of a stochastic process with a symmetric Bernoulli distribution typical of tossing a coin.
The Nelson stochastic mechanics is derived as a consequence of the basic physical principles such as the principle of relativity of observations and the invariance of the action quantum. The unitary group of quantum mechanics is represented as the transformations of the systems of perturbing devices. It is argued that the physical spacetime has a stochastic nature, and that quantum mechanics in Nelson's formulation correctly describes this stochasticity.
The tomographic invertable map of the Wigner function onto the positive probability distribution function is studied. Alternatives to the Schrödinger evolution equation and to the energy level equation written for the positive probability distribution are discussed. Instead of the transition probability amplitude (Feynman path integral) a transition probability is introduced. A new formulation of the conventional quantum mechanics (without wave function and density matrix) based on the ``probability representation'' of quantum states is given. An equation for the propagator in the new formulat…
Measuring velocities requires the synchronization of spatially-separated clocks. Because this synchronization must precede the determination of velocities, no system of clock synchronization--such as that based on Einstein's presumption of light-speed isotropy--can ever be founded on an experimentally-validated velocity. I argue that this very old observation, which lingers in the philosophical literature under the heading ``Conventionality of Synchronization,'' suggests an explanation of why ``spooky'' quantum correlations can transfer no information at any speed, superluminal or otherwise. T…
The probability operator for a generic non-equilibrium quantum system is derived. The corresponding stochastic, dissipative Schrödinger equation is also given. The dissipative and stochastic propagators are linked by the fluctuation-dissipation theorem that is derived from the unitary condition on the time propagator. The dissipative propagator is derived from thermodynamic force and entropy fluctuation operators that are in general non-linear.
The stochastic dissipative Schrodinger equation is derived for an open quantum system consisting of a sub-system able to exchange energy with a thermal reservoir. The resultant evolution of the wave function also gives the evolution of the density matrix, which is an explicit, stochastic form of the Lindblad master equation. A quantum fluctuation-dissipation theorem is also derived. The time correlation function is discussed.
The quantum Liouville equation, which describes the phase space dynamics of a quantum system of fermions, is analyzed from statistical point of view as a particular example of the Kramers-Moyal expansion. Quantum mechanics is extended to the relativistic domain by generalizing the Wigner-Moyal equation. Thus, an expression is derived for the relativistic mass in the Wigner quantum phase space presentation. The diffusion with an imaginary diffusion coefficient is also discussed. An imaginary stochastic process is proposed as the origin of quantum mechanics.
This note is answering an old questioning about the Fényes-Nelson stochastic mechanics. The Brownian nature of the quantum fluctuations, which are associated to this mechanics, is deduced from Feynman's interpretation of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle via infinitesimal random walks stemming from nonstandard analysis. It is therefore no more necessary to combine those fluctuations with a background field, which has never been well understood. Most of the technical details are contained in an extended english abstract.
Within the recent reformulation of quantum mechanics where a potential function is not required, we show how to reconstruct the potential so that a correspondence with the standard formulation could be established. However, severe restriction is placed by the correspondence on the kinematics of such problems.
Stochastic Electrodynamics (SED) has had success modeling black body radiation, the harmonic oscillator, the Casimir effect, van der Waals forces, diamagnetism, and uniform acceleration of electrodynamic systems using the stochastic zero-point fluctuations of the electromagnetic field with classical mechanics. However the hydrogen atom, with its 1/r potential remains a critical challenge. Cole and Zou in 2003 and Nieuwenhuizen and Liska in 2015 found that the SED field prevented the electron orbit from collapsing into the proton but eventually the atom became ionized. We look at the issues of …
In the paper we consider an interesting possibility of a time as a stochastic process in quantum mechanics.In order to do it we reconsider time as a mechanical quantity in classical mechanics and afterwards we quantize it. We consider continuous and discrete time.
It is shown how Adler's trace dynamics can be applied to stochastic mechanics and other complex classical dynamical systems. Emergent non-commutivity due to the fractal nature of sample trajectories is closely related to the fact that the forward and backward time derivatives are different for these diffusions. A new variational approach to stochastic mechanics based on trace dynamics is introduced. It is shown that Yasue's method and Guerra and Morato's method can both be generalized to allow for any diffusion constant in a stochastic model of Schrodinger's equation, and that they can all als…
Recently, Olavo has proposed several derivations of the Schrodinger equation from different sets of hypothesis ("axiomatizations") [Phys. Rev. A 61, 052109 (2000)]. One of them is based on the infinitesimal inverse Weyl transform of a classically evolved phase space density. We show however that the Schrodinger equation can only be obtained in that manner for linear or quadratic potential functions.
The "zitterbewegung stochastic mechanics" (ZSM) answer to Wallstrom's criticism, introduced in the companion paper [1], is extended to many particles. We first formulate the many-particle generalization of Nelson-Yasue stochastic mechanics (NYSM), incorporating external and classical interaction potentials. Then we formulate the many-particle generalization of the classical zitterbewegung \emph{zbw} model introduced in Part I, for the cases of free particles, particles interacting with external fields, and classically interacting particles. On the basis of these developments, ZSM is constructe…
Some ideas from quantum theory are just beginning to percolate back to classical probability theory. For example, there is a widely used and successful theory of "chemical reaction networks", which describes the interactions of molecules in a stochastic rather than quantum way. Computer science and population biology use the same ideas under a different name: "stochastic Petri nets". But if we look at these theories from the perspective of quantum theory, they turn out to involve creation and annihilation operators, coherent states and other well-known ideas - but in a context where probabilit…
Simulating the stochastic evolution of real quantities on a digital computer requires a trade-off between the precision to which these quantities are approximated, and the memory required to store them. The statistical accuracy of the simulation is thus generally limited by the internal memory available to the simulator. Here, using tools from computational mechanics, we show that quantum processors with a fixed finite memory can simulate stochastic processes of real variables to arbitrarily high precision. This demonstrates a provable, unbounded memory advantage that a quantum simulator can e…
I present a relativistic covariant version of the Bohmian interpretation of quantum mechanics and discuss the corresponding measurable predictions. The covariance is incoded in the fact that the nonlocal quantum potential transforms as a scalar, which is a consequence of the fact that the nonlocal wave function transforms as a scalar. The measurable predictions that can be obtained with the deterministic Bohmian interpretation cannot be obtained with the conventional interpretation simply because the conventional probabilistic interpretation does not work in the case of relativistic quantum me…
A new idea for the quantization of dynamic systems, as well as space time itself, using a stochastic metric is proposed. The quantum mechanics of a mass point is constructed on a space time manifold using a stochastic metric. A stochastic metric space is, in brief, a metric space whose metric tensor is given stochastically according to some appropriate distribution function. A mathematically consistent model of a space time manifold equipping a stochastic metric is proposed in this report. The quantum theory in the local Minkowski space can be recognized as a classical theory on the stochastic…
On the basis of a 5-dimensional form of space-time transformations non-relativistic quantum mechanics is reformulated in a manifestly covariant manner. The resulting covariance resembles that of the conventional relativistic quantum mechanics.
We review here some conventional as well as less conventional aspects of the time-independent and time-dependent Hamilton-Jacobi (HJ) theory and of its connections with Quantum Mechanics. Less conventional aspects involve the HJ theory on the tangent bundle of a configuration manifold, the quantum HJ theory, HJ problems for general differential operators and the HJ problem for Lie groups.
Wallstrom's criticism of existing formulations of stochastic mechanics is that they fail to derive the empirical predictions of orthodox quantum mechanics because they require an ad hoc quantization condition on the postulated velocity potential, \emph{S}, in order to derive Schrödinger wave functions. We propose an answer to this criticism by modifying the Nelson-Yasue formulation of non-relativistic stochastic mechanics for a spinless particle with the following hypothesis: a spinless Nelson-Yasue particle of rest mass $m$ continuously undergoes a driven steady-state oscillation of `zitterbe…
Given a positive energy solution of the Klein-Gordon equation, the motion of the free, spinless, relativistic particle is described in a fixed Lorentz frame by a Markov diffusion process with non-constant diffusion coefficient. Proper time is an increasing stochastic process and we derive a probabilistic generalization of the equation $(dτ)^2=-\frac{1}{c^2}dX_νdX_ν$. A random time-change transformation provides the bridge between the $t$ and the $τ$ domain. In the $τ$ domain, we obtain an $\M^4$-valued Markov process with singular and constant diffusion coefficient. The square modulus of the K…
Using the formalism of extended N=4 supersymmetric quantum mechanics we consider the procedure of the construction of multi-well potentials. We demonstrate the form-invariance of Hamiltonians entering the supermultiplet, using the presented relation for integrals, which contain fundamental solutions. The possibility of partial N=4 supersymmetry breaking is determined. We also obtain exact forms of multi-well potentials, both symmetric and asymmetric, using the Hamiltonian of harmonic oscillator as initial. The modification of the shape of potentials due to variation of parameters is also discu…
With the decline of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics and the recent experiments indicating that quantum mechanics does actually embody 'objective reality', one might ask if a 'mechanical', conceptual model for quantum mechanics could be found. We propose such a model. Vacuum energy fluctuations imply mass fluctuations and, through general relativity, curvature fluctuations. And those fluctuations are indicated by fluctuations of the metric tensor. The metric tensor fluctuations can 'explain' the uncertainty relations and non-commuting properties of conjugate variables. We arg…
This paper investigates dynamical relaxation to quantum equilibrium in the stochastic de Broglie-Bohm-Bell formulation of quantum mechanics. The time-dependent probability distributions are computed as in a Markov process with slowly varying transition matrices. Numerical simulations, supported by exact results for the large-time behavior of sequences of (slowly varying) transition matrices, confirm previous findings that indicate that de Broglie-Bohm-Bell dynamics allows an arbitrary initial probability distribution to relax to quantum equilibrium; i.e., there is no need to make the ad-hoc as…
