Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2023
In this part we will consider recent attempts to get a relativistic CSL theory. The problem of getting such a generalization, or at least of making plausible that it exists, is of great interest. J. Bell (1990), after having expressed his dissatisfaction with the fundamental lack of precision of the standard formulation of quantum mechanics and the opinion that the only available acceptable alternatives are the Pilot Wave and the Spontaneous Localization schemes has stated: The big question, in my opinion, is which, if either, of these two precise pictures can be redeveloped in a Lorentz invariant way. The point of view of this paper is that what is most interesting is not a detailed exposition of the formal aspects of the generalization, but some crucial conceptual points which have come into focus in this attempt.
We are deeply indebted to Dr. R. Grassi for useful discussions and stimulating suggestions. This paper II is largely based on research work to which her contribution has been quite relevant. One of us (P.P.) would like to acknowledge the hospitality of Prof. Abdus Salam, the International Atomic Energy Agency and UNESCO, as well as financial support from Hamilton College, the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, and the Consorzio per l’Incremento degli Studi e delle Richerche in Fisica dell’Università di Trieste.