Interpretation of the Klein-Gordon Probability Density

Abstract The fact that the “probability density” expression provided by the Klein–Gordon equation can take on negative values is usually seen as an obstacle to formulating a particle interpretation of quantum mechanics. Nevertheless, reconciling this expression with a particle ontology is quite possible once a careful distinction is drawn between the outcomes of measurements and the positions of particles between measurements. Following this path, however, points to the involvement of retrocausality, as proposed by various authors in other contexts.

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Publication Details

Journal
Foundations of Physics
Published
2025-01-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10701-025-00820-x
Citations
3
Primary Topic
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.25

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article

Interpretation of the Klein-Gordon Probability Density

Roderick I. Sutherland
3 citations
Foundations of Physics
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
1.25
article

Interpretation of the Klein-Gordon Probability Density

Roderick I. Sutherland
article en
3 citations

Abstract

Abstract The fact that the “probability density” expression provided by the Klein–Gordon equation can take on negative values is usually seen as an obstacle to formulating a particle interpretation of quantum mechanics. Nevertheless, reconciling this expression with a particle ontology is quite possible once a careful distinction is drawn between the outcomes of measurements and the positions of particles between measurements. Following this path, however, points to the involvement of retrocausality, as proposed by various authors in other contexts.

Foundations of PhysicsVol. 55(1)
The University of Sydney (AU)
University of Sydney
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 25%
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
1.25
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