A Proposed Experimental Test of Quantum Theory using the Techniques of Atom Optics

TL;DR

This paper proposes an experimental test using atom optics techniques to distinguish between Orthodox Quantum Theory and deBroglie-Bohm Theory by observing atom motion in a trap.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental setup employing atom traps with evanescent light mirrors to empirically test fundamental quantum theories.

Findings

Potential to empirically discriminate between quantum theories

Use of atom optics for fundamental tests

Proposed experiment could challenge existing quantum predictions

Abstract

It may be possible to empirically discriminate between the predictions of Orthodox Quantum Theory and the deBroglie-Bohm Theory of Quantum Mechanics. An experiment using the measurement methods of Atom Optics is suggested in which an atom trap having evanescent light mirrors in front of each of its walls is used to determine whether trapped atoms are in motion inside the trap. An absence of detected motion would be contrary to the prediction of Orthodox Quantum Theory and would support the deBroglie-Bohm Theory.