On Epstein's trajectory model of non-relativistic quantum mechanics

TL;DR

This paper examines Epstein's trajectory model of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, comparing it to Bohm's and de Broglie's theories, and finds that despite differing trajectories, it reproduces standard quantum predictions.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of Epstein's trajectory model, highlighting its empirical predictions and differences from other hidden-variable theories.

Findings

Trajectories differ significantly from de Broglie-Bohm theory.

Trajectories can appear bizarre and unphysical.

Model reproduces standard quantum predictions.

Abstract

In 1952 Bohm presented a theory about non-relativistic point-particles moving along deterministic trajectories and showed how it reproduces the predictions of standard quantum theory. This theory was actually presented before by de Broglie in 1926, but Bohm's particular formulation of the theory inspired Epstein to come up with a different trajectory model. The aim of this paper is to examine the empirical predictions of this model. It is found that the trajectories in this model are in general very different from those in the de Broglie-Bohm theory. In certain cases they even seem bizarre and rather unphysical. Nevertheless, it is argued that the model seems to reproduce the predictions of standard quantum theory (just as the de Broglie-Bohm theory).