On Quantum Jumps, Events and Spontaneous Localization Models

TL;DR

This paper clarifies the concepts of experiments and events in quantum theory, introduces a simulation method for quantum experiments, and discusses connections to spontaneous localization models, aiming to enhance quantum theory's stochastic description of events.

Contribution

It provides a formal definition of events in quantum theory, a simulation process for quantum experiments, and relates these to spontaneous localization models, advancing the understanding of quantum measurement.

Findings

A piecewise deterministic process for simulating quantum events.

A generalized cloud chamber model including multiparticle systems.

Discussion of relations to the GRW spontaneous localization model.

Abstract

We propose a definite meaning to the concepts of "experiment", "measurement" and "event" in the event-enhanced formalism of quantum theory. A minimal piecewise deterministic process is given that can be used for a computer simulation of real time series of experiments on single quantum objects. As an example a generalized cloud chamber is described, including multiparticle case. Relation to the GRW spontaneous localization model is discussed. The second revised version of the paper contains references to papers by other authors that are are aiming in the same direction: to enhance quantum theory in such a way that it will provide stochastic description of events triggered by individual quantum systems.