Pilot-wave hydrodynamics: Analog matter waves and analog gravity
Abstract
The hydrodynamic pilot-wave system consists of millimetric droplets self-propelling along the surface of a vibrating liquid bath. Its discovery in 2005 initiated the field of hydrodynamic quantum analogs as is concerned with examining the ability of this system to capture features previously thought to be exclusively quantum. The ever-growing list of hydrodynamic quantum analogs now includes single-particle diffraction and interference, quantized orbits, statistical projection effects in corrals, superradiance and surreal trajectories. In quantum mechanics, all such phenomena are deemed inscrutable and `rationalized in terms of quantum nonlocality and entanglement. Pilot-wave hydrodynamics suggests the possibility of understanding these effects from a local realist perspective. The goal of the hydrodynamicquantum-analog venture is to use the conceptual framework furnished by pilot-wave hydrodynamics to redefine the boundary between classical and quantum, the intelligible from the allegedly inscrutable. Pilot-wave hydrodynamics provides a macroscopic example of wave-particle duality, and its successes as a quantum analog invite a critical revisitation of quantum foundations. The walking-droplet system also has an important historical precedent. Specifically, it represents the first macroscopic realization of a dynamics of the form proposed in the 1920s by Louis de Broglie in his double-solution pilot-wave theory, according to which microscopic quantum particles have an internal vibration at the Compton frequency that excites matter waves that guide the particle. Insofar as it has provided the basis for the field of hydrodynamics quantum analogs, the walking-droplet system motivates a reconsideration and modern revision of de Broglie s pilot-wave mechanics, and an examination of its viability as the basis for a local, realist, trajectory-based quantum theory. Indeed, the question naturally arises: how might Louis de Broglie s double-solution theory have evolved had he had the computational facilities available to us today, and the physical picture furnished by pilot-wave hydrodynamics? In addressing this question, the proposed research will inform the philosophical foundations of science, and motivate new theoretical directions for quantum theory. The proposed research will have three separate lines of inquiry. The firstwill be directed towards achieving particle-pair correlations previously thought to be exclusively quantum, specifically, Bell violations. This component will build upon the PI s recent theoretical work, include parallel experimental investigations, and attempt to make clear whether the non-Markovian pilot-wave dynamics manifest in the hydrodynamic system is capable of rationalizing, in classical terms, the deepest mystery in quantum physics, entanglement. The second component of the proposed research will be directed towards forwarding our fledgling attempts to develop a theory of relativistic quantum dynamics based on the physical picture proposed in the 1920s by Louis de Broglie, and informed by pilot-wave hydrodynamics. The third component will be directed towards exploring the connections between hydrodynamic quantum analogs and hydrodynamic analogs of general relativity. Particular attention will be given to using the analogical basis of gravitoelectromagnetism in conjunction with our established hydrodynamic analogs of electromagnetic quantum phenomena to forge new insights into the appealing possibility that the matter waves proposed a century ago by de Broglie are gravitational in origin. Progress on the latter front might ultimately guide the way towards the long-awaited reconciliation of quantum mechanics and general relativity.[This is approved for public release.]
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412232
Entities
People
- John Bush
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy