Perception Constraints on Mass-Dependent Spontaneous Localization

TL;DR

This paper critically reexamines mass-dependent spontaneous collapse models in quantum theory, arguing that previous estimates of collapse times in human perception are likely underestimated due to oversimplified assumptions about biological processes.

Contribution

It highlights the importance of considering cytoplasmic effects in collapse models, challenging prior claims about perceptual collapse times within the human eye.

Findings

Collapse rates depend on mass density differences in cytoplasm

Previous estimates likely underestimate collapse times by at least an order of magnitude

Biological complexity significantly affects collapse dynamics in perception

Abstract

Some versions of quantum theory treat wave function collapse as a fundamental physical phenomenon to be described by explicit laws. One motivation is to find a consistent unification of quantum theory and gravity, in which collapse prevents superpositions of space-times from developing. Another is to invoke collapse to explain our perception of definite measurement outcomes. Combining these motivations while avoiding two different collapse postulates seems to require that perceptibly different physical states necessarily create significantly different mass distributions in our organs of perception or brains. Bassi et al. investigated this question in the context of mass density dependent spontaneous collapse models. By analysing the mechanism of visual perception of a few photons in the human eye, they argued that collapse model parameters consistent with known experiment imply that a collapse would take place in the eye within the human perception time of ~100ms, so that a definite state of observing some or no photons would be created from an initial superposition. I reanalyse their arguments, and note a key problem: they treat the relevant processes as though they take place in vacuo, rather than in cytoplasm. This makes a significant difference, since the models imply that superpositions collapse at rates that depend on the difference between the coarse grained mass densities of their components. This increases the required collapse rate, most likely by at least an order of magnitude and plausibly by significantly more. This casts some doubt on the claim that there are collapse model parameters consistent with known experiment that imply collapse times of <~ 100ms within the human eye. A complete analysis would require a very detailed understanding of the physical chemistry and biology of rod cells at microscopic scales.