A decoherence-based approach to the classical limit in Bohm's theory

Davide Romano

doi:10.1007/s10701-023-00679-w

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arXiv · 2304.03423

A decoherence-based approach to the classical limit in Bohm's theory

Davide Romano

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Abstract

The paper explains why the de Broglie-Bohm theory reduces to Newtonian mechanics in the macroscopic classical limit. The quantum-to-classical transition is based on three steps: (i) interaction with the environment produces effectively factorized states, leading to the formation of effective wave functions and hence decoherence; (ii) the effective wave functions selected by the environment--the pointer states of decoherence theory--will be well-localized wave packets, typically Gaussian states; (iii) the quantum potential of a Gaussian state becomes negligible under standard classicality conditions; therefore, the effective wave function will move according to Newtonian mechanics in the correct classical limit. As a result, a Bohmian system in interaction with the environment will be described by an effective Gaussian state and--when the system is macroscopic--it will move according to Newtonian mechanics.

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Davide Romano. 2023-04-07. A decoherence-based approach to the classical limit in Bohm's theory. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10701-023-00679-w

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