Consistent interpretation of quantum mechanics using quantum trajectories

Robert B. Griffiths
Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 2201 – Published 12 April 1993
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Abstract

The probabilistic element of quantum theory can be combined with the unitary time evolution of Schrödinger’s equation in a natural and consistent way using the idea of a quantum trajectory, the quantum analog of the trajectory traced out in phase space as a function of time by a point representing the state of a closed classical system. A family of quantum trajectories can be defined using bases for the quantum Hilbert space at different times chosen so that an appropriate noninterference condition, related to the Gell-Mann and Hartle notion of medium decoherence, is satisfied. The result is a generalization of the consistent histories approach to quantum mechanics.

  • Received 15 December 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.70.2201

©1993 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Robert B. Griffiths

  • Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213

Comments & Replies

Comment on ‘‘Consistent interpretation of quantum mechanics using quantum trajectories’’

Helmut Fink and Hajo Leschke
Phys. Rev. Lett. 72, 1770 (1994)

Griffiths replies

Robert B. Griffiths
Phys. Rev. Lett. 72, 1771 (1994)

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Vol. 70, Iss. 15 — 12 April 1993

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