The Copenhagen interpretation and the pilot wave theory are two different interpretations of quantum mechanics, and they have been subject to debate and discussion among physicists for many years. While both interpretations can describe and fit the empirical data of quantum experiments, the popularity of the Copenhagen interpretation over the pilot wave theory can be attributed to several factors:
Simplicity and mathematical elegance: The Copenhagen interpretation offers a relatively simple and mathematically elegant framework to describe quantum phenomena. It focuses on the wavefunction collapse and the probabilistic nature of measurement outcomes, providing a concise mathematical formalism that aligns well with experimental results.
Predictive success: The Copenhagen interpretation has demonstrated significant predictive success in explaining and calculating the outcomes of various quantum experiments. Its mathematical formalism, including the use of wavefunctions and operators, has allowed scientists to make accurate predictions and achieve practical applications in areas such as atomic physics, condensed matter physics, and quantum information.
Consensus and historical influence: The Copenhagen interpretation gained early support from prominent physicists such as Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, and Max Born, who played key roles in the development of quantum mechanics. Their influence and the subsequent adoption of the Copenhagen interpretation by many physicists helped establish it as the dominant interpretation within the scientific community.
Uncertainty and complementarity: The Copenhagen interpretation's focus on uncertainty and complementarity, which suggest that certain properties of quantum systems cannot be simultaneously known with precision, resonated with philosophical and epistemological discussions surrounding quantum mechanics. This aspect of the interpretation captured the imagination and attention of both scientists and philosophers, contributing to its popularity.
Experimental confirmation: Over the years, numerous experiments have been conducted that support the predictions of the Copenhagen interpretation. These experimental results, coupled with the success of the mathematical formalism, have reinforced the widespread acceptance of the interpretation.
On the other hand, the pilot wave theory, also known as de Broglie-Bohm theory or Bohmian mechanics, proposes a deterministic underlying reality where particles are guided by a hidden pilot wave. While this interpretation can reproduce the statistical predictions of quantum mechanics, it introduces additional complexity and non-locality compared to the Copenhagen interpretation. The pilot wave theory has faced challenges in terms of conceptual and philosophical implications, as well as the difficulty of reconciling it with relativity.
While the pilot wave theory has its proponents and continues to be an active area of research, the historical and practical factors mentioned above have contributed to the greater popularity and acceptance of the Copenhagen interpretation in the scientific community. It's worth noting that the field of quantum foundations is still a subject of ongoing investigation, and alternative interpretations and theories continue to be explored.