Deriving measurement collapse using zeta function regularisation and speculative measurement theory

Abstract

Abstract This paper shows how an application of zeta function regularisation to a physical model of quantum measurement yields a solution to the problem of wavefunction collapse. Realistic measurement dynamics based on a particle becoming non-isolated are introduced and, based on this, an outcome function is derived using the method of maximum entropy. It is shown how regularisation of an information theoretic quantity related to this outcome function leads to apparent collapse of the wavefunction. The physical principles and key assumptions that underlie this theory are discussed. Some possible experimental approaches are described.