It is possible to empirically discriminate between the predictions of orthodox (i.e., Copenhagen) quantum theory and the de Broglie−Bohm theory of quantum mechanics. A practical experiment is proposed in which a single, laser-cooled ion inside an ultra-cold particle trap is either found to be near the trap’s walls or not. Detections of the former kind would support the prediction of orthodox quantum theory and of the latter kind would support the de Broglie−Bohm theory. The outcome of this experiment would show which theory gives the more correct description and, consequently, would have far-reaching implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics.

中文翻译：

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使用超冷粒子阱测试量子力学

有可能在经验上区分正统（即哥本哈根）量子理论的预测和量子力学的德布罗意-波姆理论。提出了一个实际实验，其中发现超冷粒子阱内部的单个激光冷却离子是否靠近阱壁。前一种检测将支持正统量子理论的预测，后一种检测将支持de Broglie-Bohm理论。该实验的结果将表明哪种理论给出了更正确的描述，因此，对我们对量子力学的理解将产生深远的影响。