Project description
New spontaneous collapse theory to decode relativistic particle behaviour
Quantum mechanics poses a challenge known as the measurement problem, which complicates understanding of how particles behave. Spontaneous collapse theories, like Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber (GRW) and continuous spontaneous localisation (CSL), aim to resolve this by slightly altering quantum dynamics. These modifications are negligible for microscopic systems but very impactful in macroscopic ones. While the GRW model associates spontaneouscollapses to particles, CSL introduces randomness through fundamental noise disturbing the Schrödinger dynamics of fields. Despite their promise, these models are not yet compatible with special relativity. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the CPQM project aims to develop a new model where collapses are related to spacetime itself, potentially leading to a significant breakthrough in understanding the foundations of physics.
Objective
"Quantum mechanics suffer from a fundamental internal inconsistency problem usually denoted as ""measurement problem"". Many attempts have been made to solve it and, among them, spontaneous collapse theories are a promising way to do it. The main idea of such theories is to modify the fundamental dynamics described by quantum mechanics in such a way that this modification is practically negligible for microscopic systems but becomes more and more important with the mass of the system, providing a consistent way to describe every system ranging from microscopic to macroscopic. However, more than forty years after the introduction of spontaneous collapse models, we still do not have a satisfying relativistic spontaneous collapse model, i.e. a spontaneous collapse model compatible with special relativity in the same (or similar) way that quantum field theory makes standard quantum mechanics compatible with special relativity.
The two most important spontaneous collapse theories are the Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber (GRW) and the Continuous Spontaneous Localization (CSL) models. The former associates spontaneous collapse to particles while the latter introduces a fundamental noise disturbing the Schrdinger dynamics of fields. Our goal is to tackle the problem of developing a relativistic collapse theory on the basis of a new kind of spontaneous collapse model proposed by the applicant in a recent publication, where it is shown that this new model behaves consistently with the GRW and CSL models in the non-relativistic regime. In this new model, collapses are not a process inherent to the particles (or fields) but to spacetime itself. By treating spacetime in a relativistic way and exploiting the formalism of quantum field theory, we hope to develop a complete relativistic spontaneous collapse model. Any advancement in this sense, even partial ones, would represent a breakthrough in the field of ""Foundations of Physics""."
Keywords
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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34127 Trieste
Italy
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