Particle Tracks, Events and Quantum Theory

TL;DR

This paper derives a model explaining particle track formation in cloud chambers using quantum-classical coupling, providing a new perspective and simulation method aligned with spontaneous localization theories.

Contribution

It introduces a Lindblad-type generator-based derivation of track formation, linking quantum jumps to classical detector flips and offering a novel elementary approach and simulation method.

Findings

Derivation of track formation law from Liouville equation.

Quantum jumps correspond to detector flips in the model.

Provides a new perspective on GRW spontaneous localization.

Abstract

The law of track formation in cloud chambers is derived from the Liouville equation with a simple Lindblad's type generator that describes coupling between a quantum particle and a classical, continuous, medium of two--state detectors. Piecewise deterministic random process (PDP) corresponding to the Liouville equation is derived. The process consists of pairs (classical event,quantum jump), interspersed with random periods of continuous (in general, non--linear) Schroedinger's--type evolution. The classical events are flips of the detectors -- they account for tracks. Quantum jumps are shown, in the simplest, homogeneous case, to be identical to those in the early spontaneous localization model of Ghirardi, Rimini and Weber (GRW). The methods and results of the present paper allow for an elementary derivation and numerical simulation of particle track formation and provide an additional perspective on GRW's proposal