String Theory Modifies Quantum Mechanics

TL;DR

This paper proposes that string theory introduces a quantum-gravitational friction term into quantum mechanics, affecting entropy and potentially causing wave function collapse, due to couplings with massive string states in black hole backgrounds.

Contribution

It introduces a novel modification to quantum mechanics inspired by string theory, linking quantum-gravitational effects to environmental friction and entropy increase.

Findings

Quantum-gravitational friction modifies quantum mechanics.

Couplings to string states increase entropy.

Potential mechanism for wave function collapse.

Abstract

We argue that the light particles in string theory obey an effective quantum mechanics modified by the inclusion of a quantum-gravitational friction term, induced by unavoidable couplings to unobserved massive string states in the space-time foam. This term is related to the $W$-symmetries that couple light particles to massive solitonic string states in black hole backgrounds, and has a formal similarity to simple models of environmental quantum friction. It increases apparent entropy, and may induce the wave functions of macroscopic systems to collapse.