Relativistic Quantum Theory with a Physical State Vector and Hypothetical Laws of Reduction

Abstract

Evolution of a Physical State Vector (PSV) is described as governed by two distinct physical laws: Continuous, unitary time evolution and a relativistically covariant reduction process. Non-local measurements, proposed by Aharanov and Albert, are excluded when the reduction is attributed to measurement devices which are included in the PSV. The existence of a PSV allows to formulate phenomenological laws of reduction. A proposal ismade for which the collapse time is found tobe τ ^c=bh/ΔE, where ΔE is a difference in energy distribution between alternative world branches. Experiments yield the bounds 1.35·10¹¹<b<4.5·10¹⁸.