Branch-Dependent Proper Time
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: We attach the Károlyházy uncertainty to proper time and postulate that its fluctuations are independent across quantum branches. Interference is sensitive to the difference of branch phase contributions. A fully distinguishable which-path carrier contributes its rest energy mc²; internal branches contribute the transition energy. For a centre-of-mass interferometer our model predicts a reduction of the fringe visibility to V/V0 = exp(−χ) with χ = (mc²/ℏ)²(ξ tP² t)2/3, where t is the superposition time, tP is the Planck time, and ξ = O(1) is a dimensionless coefficient in the Károlyházy relation. Attributing the entire contrast deficit in the Vienna sodium-nanoparticle interferometry at m ≈ 172 kDa and v ≈ 160 m/s to the mechanism gives ξ ≲ 1.1. A decisive test is near: at m ~ 1 MDa and v ≈ 25 m/s the model predicts practically complete loss of interference, whereas the standard quantum model expects measurable fringes with ordinary contrast.
Author: Ponfilenok, Oleg
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7170052735
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