Can the double-slit experiment distinguish between quantum interpretations?

TL;DR

This paper proposes an experimental approach using a modified double-slit setup to distinguish between different interpretations of quantum mechanics by analyzing joint spatiotemporal detection distributions.

Contribution

It introduces a feasible experimental design with current technology to empirically differentiate quantum interpretations based on their predictions.

Findings

Predictions vary slightly across interpretations.

Unconventional double-slit setup can distinguish these predictions.

Experiment feasible with existing single-atom interferometry.

Abstract

Despite the astonishing successes of quantum mechanics, due to some fundamental problems such as the measurement problem and quantum arrival time problem, the predictions of the theory are in some cases not quite clear and unique. Especially, there are various predictions for the joint spatiotemporal distribution of particle detection events on a screen, which are derived from different formulations and interpretations of the quantum theory. Although the differences are typically small, our studies show that these predictions can be experimentally distinguished by an unconventional double-slit configuration, which is realizable using present-day single-atom interferometry. This experiment would enrich our understanding of the foundations of quantum mechanics.