Quantum reference systems: a new framework for quantum mechanics

A new interpretation of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics is presented. It explains the violation of Bell's inequality by maintaining realism and the principle of locality. Schrodinger's cat paradox and the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox are solved, too. The new approach assumes the universal validity of the Schrodinger equation, while von Neumann's postulates about the measurement process are replaced with a new, consistent set of postulates. The underlying idea is that quantum states depend on quantum reference systems in a fundamental way. Quantum reference systems (a new concept, first introduced in this paper) are themselves physical systems which contain the system to be described.