Is quantum linear superposition an exact principle of nature?
Is quantum linear superposition an exact principle of nature?
The principle of linear superposition is a hallmark of quantum theory. It has been confirmed experimentally for photons, electrons, neutrons, atoms, for molecules having masses up to ten thousand amu, and also in collective states such as SQUIDs and Bose-Einstein condensates. However, the principle does not seem to hold for positions of large objects! Why for instance, a table is never found to be in two places at the same time? One possible explanation for the absence of macroscopic superpositions is that quantum theory is an approximation to a stochastic nonlinear theory. This hypothesis may have its fundamental origins in gravitational physics, and is being put to test by modern ongoing experiments on matter wave interferometry.
151-164
Ulbricht, Hendrik
5060dd43-2dc1-47f8-9339-c1a26719527d
25 January 2015
Ulbricht, Hendrik
5060dd43-2dc1-47f8-9339-c1a26719527d
Ulbricht, Hendrik
(2015)
Is quantum linear superposition an exact principle of nature?
In,
Questioning the Foundations of Physics.
.
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Abstract
The principle of linear superposition is a hallmark of quantum theory. It has been confirmed experimentally for photons, electrons, neutrons, atoms, for molecules having masses up to ten thousand amu, and also in collective states such as SQUIDs and Bose-Einstein condensates. However, the principle does not seem to hold for positions of large objects! Why for instance, a table is never found to be in two places at the same time? One possible explanation for the absence of macroscopic superpositions is that quantum theory is an approximation to a stochastic nonlinear theory. This hypothesis may have its fundamental origins in gravitational physics, and is being put to test by modern ongoing experiments on matter wave interferometry.
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Published date: 25 January 2015
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Local EPrints ID: 418114
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/418114
PURE UUID: cf3c8d72-617b-4885-9987-04ef919fcdf6
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Date deposited: 22 Feb 2018 17:30
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 03:58
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