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Concept

Pilot-wave theory

A solitary sphere sits at the convergence of converging lines on a flat surface, symbolizing the concept of pilot-wave theory in quantum mechanics.

An interpretation of quantum mechanics, sketched by de Broglie in 1927 and developed by David Bohm in 1952, in which particles have definite positions and trajectories at all times, guided by a real physical wavefunction. It reproduces every prediction of standard quantum mechanics but requires explicit nonlocality — the guiding wave depends instantaneously on all particles. It is a minority view, though it has had a quiet revival in foundations of physics.

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