Reanalysis of Everett's relative-state formulation of quantum mechanics

Abstract

Everett's "Relative State Formulation of Quantum Mechanics" (RSQM), which appeared in Reviews of Modern Physics, is based on his thesis "The Theory of the Universal Wavefunction". The most noteworthy property of these works is the claim by other authors that these works are the seminal contribution to Many Worlds theories of branching realities and the claim that practical laboratory experimental tests of RSQM are not possible. This report shows that Everett's two works describe a formulation of quantum mechanics that contradicts an overwhelming body of experimental physics.