The pilot-wave interpretation, also known as de Broglie-Bohm theory or Bohmian mechanics, is an alternative interpretation of quantum mechanics. It proposes that particles have definite positions and follow well-defined trajectories, guided by a hidden pilot wave that interacts with them.
The pilot-wave interpretation is indeed taken seriously and has its proponents within the scientific community. It provides a deterministic framework that explains the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics and avoids some of the conceptual difficulties associated with other interpretations, such as the measurement problem and the role of consciousness in collapsing the wave function.
However, it's important to note that the pilot-wave interpretation is not as widely accepted as the more commonly taught Copenhagen interpretation, which treats wave functions as probability distributions and incorporates concepts like wave-particle duality and superposition.
One reason why the pilot-wave interpretation is not as prevalent is that it introduces non-locality, meaning that the hidden variables guiding the particles' motion would need to have instantaneously transmitted information, violating the principles of relativity. This aspect has led some physicists to favor interpretations that are compatible with relativity.
Furthermore, the pilot-wave interpretation has been mathematically equivalent to standard quantum mechanics in terms of predicting experimental results. This means that the predictions made by both theories are identical, making it difficult to experimentally distinguish between them. As a result, experimental evidence alone is not sufficient to support or refute the pilot-wave interpretation.
While recent experiments may show macroscopic particle-wave dynamics, it's important to clarify that these observations are consistent with standard quantum mechanics and do not provide direct evidence for the pilot-wave interpretation. The mathematical framework and experimental predictions of standard quantum mechanics have been extensively validated and are widely regarded as highly successful in describing a wide range of phenomena.
In summary, while the pilot-wave interpretation is taken seriously by some researchers, the Copenhagen interpretation remains the most widely accepted interpretation of quantum mechanics due to its conceptual simplicity and compatibility with relativity. The acceptance of different interpretations within the scientific community is an ongoing discussion, and further research and experimentation may shed more light on the nature of quantum mechanics and the validity of various interpretations.