Quantum Interference, Hidden Symmetries: Theory and Experimental Facts

TL;DR

This paper explores quantum superposition through Bohmian mechanics, revealing how symmetries influence quantum flux and highlighting that neglecting interference symmetries leads to paradoxes, supported by analytical and numerical results.

Contribution

It offers a novel perspective on quantum superposition by linking symmetries with quantum flux behavior using Bohmian mechanics, supported by analytical and numerical analysis.

Findings

Symmetries in wave functions affect quantum flux and trajectories.

Neglecting interference symmetries causes quantum paradoxes.

Numerical simulations illustrate the role of symmetries in quantum phenomena.

Abstract

The concept of quantum superposition is reconsidered and discussed from the viewpoint of Bohmian mechanics, the hydrodynamic formulation of quantum mechanics, in order to elucidate some physical consequences that go beyond the simple mathematical idea of linearly combining vectors in a Hilbert space. Specifically, the discussion turns around the connection between symmetries characterizing the wave function and the behavior in time displayed by the quantum flux when the latter is analyzed in terms of streamlines (Bohmian trajectories). This is illustrated with a series of analytical results and numerical simulations, which include Young's two-slit experiment, counter-propagating wave packets, grating diffraction and quantum carpets (e.g., Talbot carpets), and diffraction under confinement conditions. From the analysis presented it follows that quantum paradoxes appear whenever symmetries related to interference are neglected in the interpretation and understanding of the corresponding phenomena.