Quantum or classical perception according to the Imaging theorem

TL;DR

This paper examines whether pure unitary evolution alone can explain the transition from quantum to classical perception, impacting interpretations of wavefunctions and the concept of collapse.

Contribution

It provides an assessment of the role of unitary evolution versus decoherence in the quantum-classical transition, clarifying foundational issues in quantum mechanics.

Findings

Pure unitary evolution may be insufficient for classical perception

Environmental decoherence plays a crucial role in the quantum-classical transition

Implications for the interpretation of wavefunctions and collapse phenomena

Abstract

An assessment is given as to the extent to which pure unitary evolution, as distinct from environmental decohering interaction, can provide the transition necessary for an observer to interpret perceived quantum dynamics as classical. This has implications for the interpretation of quantum wavefunctions as a characteristic of ensembles or of single particles and the related question of wavefunction collapse.