Resolving the Quantum Measurement Problem through Leveraging the Uncertainty Principle

TL;DR

This paper proposes a phase space approach using the Wigner Moyal equation to resolve the quantum measurement problem by demonstrating how uncertainty bounds nonlocality and enables wavefunction collapse.

Contribution

It introduces a novel perspective that leverages the uncertainty principle within phase space quantum mechanics to explain measurement and collapse without new theories.

Findings

Adjusting the observation window controls nonlocality.

Sufficient uncertainty bounds nonlocality, making the universe well posed.

Collapse of superposition occurs through measurement-induced uncertainty.

Abstract

The Schrodinger equation is incomplete, inherently unable to explain the collapse of the wavefunction caused by measurement; a fundamental issue known as the quantum measurement problem. Quantum mechanics is generally constrained by the uncertainty principle and, therefore, cannot interpret definite observations without uncertainty. Here, we resolve this enigma by demonstrating that in phase space quantum mechanics, particularly through the Wigner Moyal equation, uncertainty can be arbitrarily adjusted by tuning the observation window. An observation window much smaller than the uncertainty limit causes substantial nonlocality, rendering the problem ill posed. This suggests that only with sufficient uncertainty does nonlocality become bounded, resulting in a well posed universe. Conversely, in the absence of uncertainty, spacetime is warped beyond recognition, and the system exists as a superposition of numerous possible states. Measurement collapses this superposition into a unique solution, exhibiting timeless nonlocal interactions. Our framework bridges seemingly disparate concepts such as classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, decoherence, and measurement within intrinsic quantum mechanics even without invoking new theory.