The problem with quantum mechanics, or at least even physicists, does not understand it, is not that it draws an unfamiliar picture of reality. It is not difficult to accept that a fundamental world of particles that we do not experience directly is fundamentally different from the world we perceive.
The problem is that instead it does not portray the hinterland between these two worlds and does not provide a clear overview of how one emerges from the other. As a result, a century after committing to the canvas, we still don’t know what this scientific masterpiece means to understand reality.
This article is part of a special series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of quantum theory. Click here for details.
We don’t run out of ideas. What you like is primarily a taste issue, or at least a philosophical consideration. Physicist N. David Mermin joked. “New interpretations appear every year. Nothing disappears.”
But over the past decade, something has begun to change. One new twist in quantum theory makes explicit observational predictions first, raising hopes for empirical progress. Meanwhile, the other is gaining momentum. Because it appears to solve some confusing quantum mysteries all at once.
More promisingly, physicists have begun to feel new ways to test the validity of such assumptions. If they turn a moving thought experiment into a real world test, we may ultimately be able to make progress on any problem…
Source: www.newscientist.com