Pilot wave theory is a deterministic, realist theory which was presented by de Broglie in 1927 and was then revisited by Bohm, who expanded the theory. It is used to explain quantum phenomena, such as those in the double slit experiment, without leaving room for chance, to show that the future is completely predictable.
It addresses the measurement problem in Quantum Mechanics by explaining that the values of the variables that we, the observer, try to measure, such as the position and momenta of the particles can't be known because the act of measurement will result in the measuring device being entangled with the particles themselves, which will disturb their actual value. So, the values of the particles' position and momenta are unknown to the observer, which makes it a hidden variable theory. It is still a realist theory, however, because the values still exist independent of us perceiving them, in contrast to Quantum Mechanics.
Bohm goes on to say that each group of particles has its own matter wave assigned to it, because of the wave-particle duality. This matter wave is governed by the Schrodinger equation. The matter wave has a wave function which guides each particle along a deterministic trajectory. At each point of the wave, the magnitude of the wave function shows the density of particles at that point. And the wave function is independent of the particle so there technically can be a wave function without corresponding particles. This is called an empty wave function.
It addresses the measurement problem in Quantum Mechanics by explaining that the values of the variables that we, the observer, try to measure, such as the position and momenta of the particles can't be known because the act of measurement will result in the measuring device being entangled with the particles themselves, which will disturb their actual value. So, the values of the particles' position and momenta are unknown to the observer, which makes it a hidden variable theory. It is still a realist theory, however, because the values still exist independent of us perceiving them, in contrast to Quantum Mechanics.
Bohm goes on to say that each group of particles has its own matter wave assigned to it, because of the wave-particle duality. This matter wave is governed by the Schrodinger equation. The matter wave has a wave function which guides each particle along a deterministic trajectory. At each point of the wave, the magnitude of the wave function shows the density of particles at that point. And the wave function is independent of the particle so there technically can be a wave function without corresponding particles. This is called an empty wave function.
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