Classical Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

James Paul Wesley
Phys. Rev. 122, 1932 – Published 15 June 1961
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Abstract

Following de Broglie, Bohm, and others, it is assumed that quantum mechanics may be interpreted causally and that the ψ function plays the role of a generating function for particle trajectories. By arguing that the ψ function should not be interpreted as a probability amplitude, a new method for generating particle trajectories is postulated. The four-momentum of a scalar particle is assumed to be given as the gradient of an unspecified function F(ψ), where ψ is a pure real solution of the Klein-Gordon equation. Since the location of a particle is determined solely by its trajectory, the probability distribution differs from ψψ*; and therefore, ordinary experimental results differing from the traditional theory may, in principle, be predicted. Particle motion and trajectories are discussed for three examples: a free particle, a particle in a box, and the double slit.

  • Received 3 March 1960

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.122.1932

©1961 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

James Paul Wesley

  • Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, California

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Issue

Vol. 122, Iss. 6 — June 1961

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