Romano, Davide
(2023)
A Decoherence-Based Approach to the Classical Limit in Bohm's Theory.
[Preprint]
Abstract
The paper explains why the de Broglie-Bohm theory reduces to Newtonian mechanics in the macroscopic classical limit. The quantum-to-classical transition is based on three steps: (i) the interaction with the environment produces effectively factorized states, leading to the formation of effective wave functions and hence decoherence; (ii) the effective wave functions selected by the environment–the pointer states of decoherence theory–will be well-localized wave packets, typically Gaussian states; (iii) the quantum potential of a Gaussian state becomes negligible under standard classicality conditions; therefore, the effective wave function will move according to Newtonian mechanics in the correct classical limit. As a result, a Bohmian system in interaction with
the environment will be described by an effective Gaussian state and, when the system is macroscopic, it will move according to Newtonian mechanics.
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