The relativistic reason for quantum probability amplitudes
Abstract
Abstract We show that the quantum-mechanical probability distribution involving complex probability amplitudes can be derived from three natural conditions imposed on a relativistically invariant probability function describing the motion of a particle that can take multiple paths simultaneously. The conditions are: (i) pairwise Kolmogorov additivity, (ii) time symmetry, and (iii) Bayes’ rule. The resulting solution, parameterized by a single constant, is the squared modulus of a sum of complex exponentials of the relativistic action, thereby recovering the Feynman path-integral formulation of quantum mechanics.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Relativity and Gravitational Theory
Quantum and Classical Electrodynamics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- New Journal of Physics
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 034511–034511
- Publication date
- 1 March 2026
- Language
- EN