On the falsification of the pilot-wave interpretation of quantum mechanics and the meaning of the Born rule

TL;DR

This paper proposes an experimental approach to distinguish between different quantum interpretations, specifically challenging the pilot-wave theory, by using a model of optical transmittance in ultra-diluted gases and analyzing recent experimental results.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental method based on optical transmittance to test and potentially falsify the pilot-wave interpretation of quantum mechanics.

Findings

Experimental results align with the model's predictions

Results challenge the validity of the pilot-wave interpretation

Supports the correctness of the proposed optical transmittance model

Abstract

Quantum mechanics has lacked a widely recognized interpretation since its birth. Many of these are still under consideration because interpretations are tough or impossible to disprove experimentally. We show how to distinguish experimentally ones assuming tiny, localized particles from those postulating realistic, non-local wave functions. It is possible thanks to a recently developed model of optical transmittance of ultra-diluted gas. This model considers the influence of each gas particle wave function on transmitted light. Its quantitative predictions are not indifferent to the interpretation of quantum mechanics. We also refer to the results of a recent experiment founded on this theory. They are in line with the predictions, which suggests the correctness of the model. Such results, if confirmed, rule out interpretations of the type of pilot-wave. In the paper, we briefly explain both the experiment and the model it is founded on. We also discuss the meaning of the Born rule.