Quantum reference systems: a new framework for quantum mechanics

Abstract

A new interpretation of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics is presented. It explains the violation of Bell's inequality by maintaining realism and the principle of locality. Schrodinger's cat paradox and the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox are solved, too. The new approach assumes the universal validity of the Schrodinger equation, while von Neumann's postulates about the measurement process are replaced with a new, consistent set of postulates. The underlying idea is that quantum states depend on quantum reference systems in a fundamental way. Quantum reference systems (a new concept, first introduced in this paper) are themselves physical systems which contain the system to be described.

49 pages, LaTeX, to appear in Physica A