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arXiv · 2603.25335

The quantum mechanics of experiments

Jürg Fröhlich·Alessandro Pizzo
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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.

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Jürg Fröhlich, Alessandro Pizzo. 2026-03-26. The quantum mechanics of experiments. https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.25335

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