The De Broglie-Bohm theory, also known as the pilot-wave theory or Bohmian mechanics, is an interpretation of quantum mechanics that differs from other commonly known interpretations, such as the Copenhagen interpretation.
In the De Broglie-Bohm theory, particles are considered to have well-defined positions and trajectories, similar to classical physics. This is in contrast to the Copenhagen interpretation, which states that particles do not have definite properties until they are observed and that their behavior is described by probability distributions.
The key feature of the De Broglie-Bohm theory is the introduction of a guiding equation, known as the "pilot wave." This wave guides the motion of particles, determining their trajectories in a way that is consistent with the predictions of quantum mechanics. The particles are influenced by both the quantum potential, which depends on the wave function, and their initial positions.
The De Broglie-Bohm theory is a deterministic theory, meaning that if the initial positions and wave function are known, the theory can predict the exact future behavior of particles. This is in contrast to the probabilistic nature of other interpretations like the Copenhagen interpretation, which only provides probabilities for different measurement outcomes.
One notable consequence of the De Broglie-Bohm theory is that it preserves locality, meaning that the behavior of particles is not influenced by instantaneous action at a distance. This distinguishes it from some other interpretations, such as the many-worlds interpretation or the pilot-wave variant of the Everett interpretation, which involve non-local effects or the splitting of the universe into multiple branches.
It's important to note that the De Broglie-Bohm theory is just one of several interpretations of quantum mechanics, and it has its own philosophical and conceptual challenges. While it provides an alternative perspective that avoids the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics, it introduces additional complexities such as the need for non-local influences or the existence of hidden variables. The interpretation and understanding of quantum mechanics remain active areas of research and debate within the scientific community.