Relativistic Covariance and the Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

Published

January 1, 1996

Author(s)

Egon Marx

Abstract

The standard interpretation of quantum mechanics is revised to conform to the relativistic theory based on the many-amplitudes formalism for the N-particle system. The wave function acquires a significance closer to that of the electromagnetic field, with a reduced emphasis on operators and the uncertainty principle. The measurement process is interpreted as the quantum mechanical interaction between the system and the measuring apparatus, removing any central role for the observer. This approach leads to a better understanding of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and of the thought experiment with Schrodinger''s cat. Difficulties of the theory of spin-l/2 particles such as Zitterbewegung and negative energy levels are also addressed. The use of one wave function per particle must be shown to give the same results obtained in calculations carried out within the framework of the nonrelativistic theory of many particles. Relativistic quantum mechanics (RQM) is of great interest because it can be used instead of quantum field theory to formulate particle physics in the SWEEP model of strong, weak and electromagnetic interactions of elementary particles.

Citation

Physics Essays

Volume

9

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

Copenhagen interpretation, elementary particle physics, EPR paradox, relativistic quantum mechanics, wave mechanics

Citation

Marx, E. (1996), Relativistic Covariance and the Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics, Physics Essays (Accessed April 18, 2024)