Interaction-induced wavefunction collapse

TL;DR

This paper hypothesizes that wavefunction collapse results from interactions with other objects, conserving energy, and proposes a model system to test various collapse hypotheses through observable implications.

Contribution

It introduces a new interaction-based model for wavefunction collapse that conserves energy and suggests experimental tests for different collapse hypotheses.

Findings

Collapse can be caused by interactions with objects.

Energy conservation is maintained during collapse.

Observable predictions vary with different collapse models.

Abstract

Almost a century after the development of quantum mechanics, we still do not have a consensus on the process of collapse of wavefunctions. Some theories require the intervention of a conscious observer while some see it as a stochastic process, and most theories violate energy conservation. In this paper we hypothesise that the collapse of wavefunctions can be caused by interactions with other objects (macroscopic or microscopic) and energy is conserved in that process. To test various hypotheses regarding collapse of wavefunctions, we propose a model system which is the quantum analogue of a classical soft-impact oscillator. We propose some alternative postulates regarding the conditions for and the result of a collapse, and obtain the implication of each on the behavior of observable quantities, which can possibly be experimentally tested.