Position measurements in the de Broglie–Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics

The de Broglie–Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics assigns positions and trajectories to particles. We analyze the validity of a formula for the velocities of Bohmian particles which makes the analysis of these trajectories particularly simple. We apply it to particle detectors of four different types and show that the detectors of three of these types lead to “surrealistic trajectories”, i.e., leave a trace where the Bohmian particle was not present.

► We perform computer simulation of Bohmian trajectories for position detectors. ► A simplified velocity formula provides very precise (or exact) Bohmian trajectories. ► Spin, phase, and Bohmian velocity type detectors exhibit surrealistic trajectories.