Uniqueness of Bohmian Mechanics, and Solutions From Probability Conservation

Timothy M. Coffey, Robert E. Wyatt, Wm. C. Schieve

Published 2007-10-22Version 1

We show that one-dimensional Bohmian mechanics is unique, in that, the Bohm trajectories are the only solutions that conserve total left (or right) probability. In Brandt et al., Phys. Lett. A, 249 (1998) 265--270, they define quantile motion--unique trajectories are solved by assuming that the total probability on each side of the particle is conserved. They argue that the quantile trajectories are identical to the Bohm trajectories. Their argument, however, fails to notice the gauge freedom in the definition of the quantum probability current. Our paper sidesteps this under-determinedness of the probability current. The one-dimensional probability conservation can be used for higher dimensional problems if the wave function is separable. Several examples are given using total left probability conservation, most notably, the two-slit experiment.