A Flash-Based Relativistic Collapse Model for Quantum Fields

Abstract

Spontaneous collapse models provide a possible, testable solution to the quantum measurement problem, but constructing a relativistic version applicable to quantum field theory remains an important open challenge. Challenges in constructing relativistic collapse models include avoiding superluminal signaling and foliation dependence, controlling energy production, and ensuring vacuum stability. Here, we present a relativistic collapse framework that addresses these problems at the cost of introducing a new space of physical states, whose complete characterization is left open. A modified, history-dependent Aharonov--Albert prescription describes instantaneous nonlocal state updates on arbitrary spacelike foliations while preserving foliation independence. To ensure vacuum stability, we modify the standard unitary evolution through a prescription that we name dynamical vacuum subtraction. The resulting dynamical map is linear and trace-preserving but not positive on the full set of standard density operators. We establish no-signaling by proving microscopic parameter independence, and identify conditions under which standard nonrelativistic collapse dynamics are recovered. Finally, we apply our framework to a free massive scalar field, obtaining finite particle-number and energy-increase rates at leading order in the long-time regime, together with further promising evidence for the consistency of the framework.