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Article

A Covariant Wave-Tensor Framework for Bohmian Mechanics on Classical Curved Spacetime: Lagrangian Structure and Post-Newtonian Predictions

by
Paulo Guilherme Santos
1,2
1
IPAM, Rua Laura Ayres 4, 1600-604 Lisbon, Portugal
2
The Center for Mathematical Studies (CMAFcIO), Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Edf. C6, Piso 1, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
Symmetry 2026, 18(6), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18061016 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 26 April 2026 / Revised: 1 June 2026 / Accepted: 9 June 2026 / Published: 12 June 2026
(This article belongs to the Section Physics)

Abstract

We propose an exploratory framework for a Bohmian model of quantum matter propagating on a classical curved spacetime background. The gravitational sector is governed by classical Einstein field equations throughout; no quantisation of spacetime is attempted. The wave function emerges as the scalar contraction Ψ=ψνψνC of a complex-valued tensorial field ψμ, encoding quantum dynamics in a geometric object. The wave tensor interacts with spacetime via the stress–energy tensor Tμν, mediated by a real scalar field a of dimension volume, so that aTμνψμψν yields the correct potential energy. We derive a covariant Adapted Schrödinger Equation as the unique minimal covariant lift of the standard equation, justify it from four guiding principles, and verify three internal consistency checks. Under seven explicit approximations the framework reproduces the Schrödinger equation with Coulomb potential for the hydrogen atom. We also derive a dynamical equation for ψμ that entails the Adapted Schrödinger Equation by contraction. Two open problems are then resolved. First, a complete Lagrangian formulation is provided: a real-valued action for Ψ yields the Adapted Schrödinger Equation via the Euler–Lagrange equations; a separate action for ψμ, extended by a non-polynomial term, yields the full dynamical equation variationally. Second, two experimental predictions are derived. Expanding to first post-Newtonian order, the perturbation Hamiltonian has coefficients (3,1) on the kinetic and potential operators; via the virial theorem these produce a coordinate-time blueshift, which after photon propagation yields the universal Einstein gravitational redshift δν/ν=Φ/c2, confirming consistency with the equivalence principle. The same kinetic coefficient independently predicts that free quantum wave packets spread more slowly by the fractional amount 3|Φ|/c2, a correction absent in standard non-relativistic quantum mechanics.
Keywords: Bohmian mechanics; general relativity; classical curved spacetime; wave tensor; pilot wave; stress–energy tensor; covariant Schrödinger equation; Lagrangian formulation; gravitational redshift; Einstein equivalence principle Bohmian mechanics; general relativity; classical curved spacetime; wave tensor; pilot wave; stress–energy tensor; covariant Schrödinger equation; Lagrangian formulation; gravitational redshift; Einstein equivalence principle

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MDPI and ACS Style

Santos, P.G. A Covariant Wave-Tensor Framework for Bohmian Mechanics on Classical Curved Spacetime: Lagrangian Structure and Post-Newtonian Predictions. Symmetry 2026, 18, 1016. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18061016

AMA Style

Santos PG. A Covariant Wave-Tensor Framework for Bohmian Mechanics on Classical Curved Spacetime: Lagrangian Structure and Post-Newtonian Predictions. Symmetry. 2026; 18(6):1016. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18061016

Chicago/Turabian Style

Santos, Paulo Guilherme. 2026. "A Covariant Wave-Tensor Framework for Bohmian Mechanics on Classical Curved Spacetime: Lagrangian Structure and Post-Newtonian Predictions" Symmetry 18, no. 6: 1016. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18061016

APA Style

Santos, P. G. (2026). A Covariant Wave-Tensor Framework for Bohmian Mechanics on Classical Curved Spacetime: Lagrangian Structure and Post-Newtonian Predictions. Symmetry, 18(6), 1016. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18061016

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