Quantum trajectories, real, surreal or an approximation to a deeper process?

TL;DR

This paper re-evaluates the significance of quantum trajectories derived from the quantum Hamilton-Jacobi equation, arguing they are meaningful and can offer deeper insights into quantum processes despite recent criticisms.

Contribution

The authors defend the physical relevance of quantum trajectories and counter recent objections, demonstrating their potential to deepen understanding of quantum phenomena.

Findings

Objections by Englert et al. are not sustainable.

Quantum trajectories can provide deeper insights into quantum processes.

The approach aligns with standard quantum mechanics and experiments.

Abstract

The proposal that the one-parameter solutions of the real part of the Schrodinger equation (quantum Hamilton-Jacobi equation) can be regarded as `quantum particle trajectories' has received considerable attention recently. Opinions as to their significance differ. Some argue that they do play a fundamental role as actual particle trajectories, others regard them as mere metaphysical appendages without any physical significance. Recent work has claimed that in some cases the Bohm approach gives results that disagree with those obtained from standard quantum mechanics and, in consequence, with experiment. Furthermore it is claimed that these trajectories have such unacceptable properties that they can only be considered as `surreal'. We re-examine these questions and show that the specific objections raised by Englert, Scully, Sussmann and Walther cannot be sustained. We also argue that contrary to their negative view, these trajectories can provide a deeper insight into quantum processes.