We argue, in light of Collapse Model interpretation of quantum theory, that the fundamental division between the quantum and classical behaviors might be 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 International Germanium Experiment (IGEX) collaboration (...) data. This result is preceded by a brief discussion of quantum measurement theory and the Ghirardi–Rimini–Weber (GRW) model applied to the free wavepacket dynamics. (shrink)

We interpret the probability rule of the CSL collapse theory to mean to mean that the scalar field which causes collapse is the gravitational curvature scalar with two sources, the expectation value of the mass density (smeared over the GRW scale a) and a white noise fluctuating source. We examine two models of the fluctuating source, monopole fluctuations and dipole fluctuations, and show that these correspond to two well-known CSL models. We relate the two GRW parameters of CSL to fundamental (...) constants, and we explain the energy increase of particles due to collapse as arising from the loss of vacuum gravitational energy. (shrink)

In quantum mechanics it is usually assumed that mutually exclusives states of affairs must be represented by orthogonal vectors. Recent attempts to solve the measurement problem, most notably the GRW theory, require the relaxation of this assumption. It is shown that a consequence of relaxing this assumption is that arithmatic does not apply to ordinary macroscopic objects. It is argued that such a radical move is unwarranted given the current state of understanding of the foundations of quantum mechanics.

A simple quantum model describing the onset of time is presented. This is combined with a simple quantum model of the onset of space. A major purpose is to explore the interpretational issues which arise. The state vector is a superposition of states representing different “instants.” The sample space and probability measure are discussed. Critical to the dynamics is state vector collapse: it is argued that a tenable interpretation is not possible without it. Collapse provides a mechanism whereby the universe (...) size, like a clock, is narrowly correlated with the quantized time eigenvalues. (shrink)