A general theory of quantum measurements

TL;DR

This paper introduces a universal eigenvalue equation for quantum systems, providing a new foundation for understanding quantum measurements, sub-system preferred bases, and transition rates with applications to atomic and measurement processes.

Contribution

It proposes a general eigenvalue equation applicable to all quantum systems, unifying the description of sub-systems, measurement bases, and transition mechanisms.

Findings

Derived correction to hydrogen fine structure due to finite proton mass.

Calculated spontaneous emission rates consistent with experiments.

Established a new principle linking photon properties to measurement outcomes.

Abstract

A universal energy eigenvalue equation is proposed in this paper. It is proven that the unique set of eigenfunctions or preferred basis exists for any non-isolated sub-system. Applying the new eigenvalue equation to the relative motion of a hydrogen atom together with the derived relativistic Hamiltonian to quantify the impact of finite proton mass to the fine structure, correction to the fine structure is obtained as a result of the entanglement of the relative motion and the center-of-mass motion, which can be used to verify the correctness of the proposed eigenvalue equation. Applying the equation to the measurement of electron double-slit interference, it is analyzed that the photon packets with Lorentzian spectral lineshape, the domain and state density of the sub-system, and the energy of the incident electron together determines the spontaneous emission rate of the incident electron. Photons generated in this process excite electrons from the valence band to the conduction band of the detector. Corresponding to any emitted or absorbed photon, the sub-system is found to be uniquely determined by maximizing the transition rate. This new principle is valid for atoms too. Closed-form expressions are obtained for the transition rates and example numerical results show good correlation between calculation and the position measurement experiment. The discovered common mechanisms that determine the sub-systems, the preferred bases, and transition rates form the foundation of a new, general, and consistent theory of quantum measurement.