The quantum mechanics of experiments
arXiv:2603.25335
The paper reviews the quantum measurement problem and argues that dissipative, stochastic evolution of individual quantum states—arising from ensemble averages of matter interacting with the radiation field—provides a mechanism for completing measurements, illustrated with an idealized double‑slit experiment.
Abstract
This note starts with a recapitulation of what people call the ``Measurement Problem'' of Quantum Mechanics (QM). The dissipative nature of the quantum-mechanical time-evolution of averages of states over large ensembles of identical isolated systems consisting of matter interacting with the radiation field is discussed and shown to correspond to a stochastic time-evolution of states of individual systems. The importance of dissipation for the successful completion of measurements is highlighted. To conclude, a solution of the ``Measurement Problem'' is sketched in an idealized model of a double-slit experiment.
17 pages, submitted for publication in a special volume dedicated to Israel Michael Sigal