The assumption of wave function collapse is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that has been widely accepted and used in the field. However, there are alternative interpretations of quantum mechanics that do not involve wave function collapse, such as the Many-Worlds interpretation and the Pilot-Wave theory.
If we didn't assume wave function collapse, it would have several consequences and raise some problems:
Measurement problem: Wave function collapse is often invoked to explain the apparent randomness observed in quantum measurements. Without wave function collapse, it becomes challenging to explain why measurements yield definite outcomes when observing quantum systems. The alternative interpretations propose different mechanisms to address this issue, but they introduce additional complexities and philosophical questions.
Determinism and locality: Many alternative interpretations, such as the Pilot-Wave theory, introduce additional hidden variables or non-local interactions to explain the behavior of quantum systems. This challenges the principles of determinism and locality, which are fundamental assumptions in classical physics. The violation of these principles raises questions about the compatibility of quantum mechanics with our classical understanding of the universe.
Conservation of energy: Some interpretations that reject wave function collapse, such as the Many-Worlds interpretation, suggest that the wave function of the universe evolves continuously without any reduction or collapse. This can lead to concerns about the conservation of energy since the total energy of the universe would continue to increase over time.
Experimental predictions: Wave function collapse plays a crucial role in making predictions and calculating probabilities in quantum mechanics. Alternative interpretations that reject collapse might introduce different predictions for experimental outcomes, which could be in conflict with the well-established results obtained using the standard interpretation. Reconciling these differences would require careful analysis and experimental verification.
Cosmological implications: Wave function collapse is intimately linked to our understanding of the observer and the measurement process. Alternative interpretations that discard collapse may have implications for our understanding of cosmology, particularly when it comes to concepts like the multiverse or the early universe. Exploring these implications would require a comprehensive re-evaluation of the underlying assumptions and mathematical frameworks.
It's important to note that the topic of wave function collapse and alternative interpretations of quantum mechanics is a subject of ongoing research and debate among physicists. While the standard interpretation with wave function collapse is the most widely accepted and successful, alternative viewpoints continue to be explored and refined.