A Suggested Interpretation of the Quantum Theory in Terms of "Hidden" Variables. II

David Bohm
Phys. Rev. 85, 180 – Published 15 January 1952
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Abstract

In this paper, we shall show how the theory of measurements is to be understood from the point of view of a physical interpretation of the quantum theory in terms of "hidden" variables, developed in a previous paper. We find that in principle, these "hidden" variables determine the precise results of each individual measurement process. In practice, however, in measurements that we now know how to carry out, the observing apparatus disturbs the observed system in an unpredictable and uncontrollable way, so that the uncertainty principle is obtained as a practical limitation on the possible precision of measurements. This limitation is not, however, inherent in the conceptual structure of our interpretation. We shall see, for example, that simultaneous measurements of position and momentum having unlimited precision would in principle be possible if, as suggested in the previous paper, the mathematical formulation of the quantum theory needs to be modified at very short distances in certain ways that are consistent with our interpretation but not with the usual interpretation.

We give a simple explanation of the origin of quantum-mechanical correlations of distant objects in the hypothetical experiment of Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen, which was suggested by these authors as a criticism of the usual interpretation.

Finally, we show that von Neumann's proof that quantum theory is not consistent with hidden variables does not apply to our interpretation, because the hidden variables contemplated here depend both on the state of the measuring apparatus and the observed system and therefore go beyond certain of von Neumann's assumptions.

In two appendixes, we treat the problem of the electromagnetic field in our interpretation and answer certain additional objections which have arisen in the attempt to give a precise description for an individual system at the quantum level.

  • Received 5 July 1951

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.85.180

©1952 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

David Bohm*

  • Palmer Physical Laboratory, Princeton University

  • *Now at Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciencias e Letras, São Paulo, Brasil.

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Issue

Vol. 85, Iss. 2 — January 1952

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