98 - An Improbable Quantum Ghost Story (Ft. David Kaplan)
Summary
Hosts Dan Hooper and Shalma Wegsman interview physicist David Kaplan about nonlinear quantum mechanics, a theoretical modification to the Schrödinger equation. They discuss how breaking linearity could allow interaction between superposed states, potentially enabling communication across parallel realities. The episode explores experimental constraints on this idea and its implications for solving major physics problems, despite currently lacking empirical evidence.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Linearity of the Schrodinger equation and guest David Kaplan
Explaining quantum mechanics: waves, particles, and the nature of reality
Linearity, superposition, and the Schrodinger's cat paradox
History of nonlinear quantum mechanics: Weinberg, Polchinski, and relativity
The consequences of nonlinearity: seeing into other branches of reality
Ghostly effects and exponential parallelization of human activity
Experimental tests and constraints on nonlinear quantum mechanics
Conclusion: The potential for a new revolution in physics
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