On computing quantum waves exactly from classical action

Abstract

We show that the Schrödinger equation can be solved exactly based only on classical least action. Fundamental postulates of quantum mechanics can in turn be derived directly from this construction. The results extend to the relativistic Klein-Gordon, Pauli, and Dirac equations, and suggest a smooth transition between physics across scales. Most quantum mechanics problems have classical versions which involve multiple least action solutions. The associated classical multipaths stem either from the initial position or momentum distribution, or from branch points, generated, e.g. by a multiply connected manifold (double slit experiment), by spatial inequality constraints (particle in a box), or by a singularity (Coulomb potential). We show that the exact Schrödinger wave function (Formula presented) can be constructed by combining this classical multi-valued action (Formula presented) with the classical density (Formula presented), computed analytically from (Formula presented) along each extremal action path. The construction is general and does not involve any semi-classical approximation. Quantum wave collapse at measurement can be derived from the classical density change. Entanglement corresponds to a sum of classical particle actions mapping to a tensor product of spinors. The results also provide a simpler computational alternative to Feynman path integrals, as they use only a minimal subset of classical paths.