New insights on the quantum-classical division in light of Collapse Models

Abstract

We argue, in light of Collapse Model interpretation of quantum theory, that the fundamental division between the quantum and classical behaviors is analogous to the division of thermodynamic phases. A specific relationship between the collapse parameter $(\lambda )$ and the collapse length scale ($r_C$) plays the role of the coexistence curve in usual thermodynamic phase diagrams. We further claim that our functional relationship between $\lambda$ and $r_C$ is strongly supported by the existing IGEX collaboration data. This result is preceded by a self-contained discussion of quantum measurement theory and the Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber (GRW) model applied to the free wavepacket dynamics.

v3, 6 pages, 2 figures, 4 new references added, matches final version published in Foundations of Physics

References in corpus (5)

• Lower and Upper Bounds on CSL Parameters from Latent Image Formation and IGM Heating
• Heating of trapped ultracold atoms by collapse dynamics
• CSL Collapse Model Mapped with the Spontaneous Radiation
• An objective collapse model without state dependent stochasticity
• Phase transitions as a manifestation of spontaneous unitarity violation