On the origin of randomness in quantum mechanics

TL;DR

This paper argues that quantum states are not fundamental but are summaries of dynamical processes influenced by quantum fluctuations, emphasizing the role of causality and environment in quantum randomness.

Contribution

It presents a new perspective on the origin of quantum randomness, linking it to the physics of state preparation and causality rather than intrinsic properties.

Findings

Quantum states are summaries of dynamical processes.

Quantum fluctuations from the environment influence state properties.

The form of the state vector reflects causality laws.

Abstract

Quantum statistics originate from the physics of state preparation. It is therefore wrong to think of quantum states as fundamental. In fact, quantum states are merely summaries of dynamical processes that randomize the properties of the system by drawing on the inexhaustible reservoir of quantum fluctuations provided by the physical tools used to control the quantum system. The mathematical form of the "state vector" is actually an expression of the laws of causality which describe the relations between physical properties in terms of the action of transformations. These laws of causality directly associate the macroscopic effects of a physical property in an interaction with the environment with dynamical changes to the system caused by the microscopic properties of that environment.