Formalism

1
Formalism
Interpretation
Lord of the Horizon
Master of Patterns
The Physics of Quantum Theory
The Metaphysics of Quantum Theory
2
Ibn al-Haytham (AD1021)
Proposed a particle theory of light. He held
light rays to be streams of minute energy
particles that travel in straight lines at a
finite speed. He states in his optics that the
smallest parts of light, as he calls them,
retain only properties that can be treated by
geometry and verified by experiment they lack
all sensible qualities except energy.
3
Newton Light is made of Particles(Little
corpuscles)Explained Reflection of Light
Wave-Particle Duality (1660s till ?)
Huygens Light is made of WavesDiffractionLumin
iferous Ether
4
Thomas Young
The Two Slit Experiment 1801
5
What does it mean?
I think it is safe to say that no one
understands Quantum Mechanics. (Richard
Feynman)
6
I dont like it, and Im sorry I ever had
anything to do with it. Erwin Schrödinger
7
Mr Tompkins goes Quantum
8am
8
Mr Tompkins goes Quantum
8am
9
Whats a Wavefunction!!
?
10
The Interpretations of QM
The Copenhagen (orthodox) Interpretation - N.
Bohr
Particles properties cannot be assigned values
independent of measurement. (Wavefunction not
REAL just a useful calculation tool)
Measurement collapses the wavefunction. (Born
State Vector interpretation. Wavefunction is
real))
11
Copenhagen Example
12
Copenhagen Example
13
Copenhagen Example
Y1 0.5
Y2 0.5
Y Y1 Y2
Probability Function is superposition
(combination)
14
Copenhagen Example
Y1 1
Y2 0
Y Y1 Y2
Wavefunction has collapsed, i.e. changed to a
definite state
15
Hidden Variables Theory

• Quantum Theory is at worst Wrong, at best
  incomplete. There is something underpinning it.
• Deterministic in nature.
• Einstein - God Doesnt play with dice
• Bohr Dont tell me what God does

16
Local and Non-Local Phenomena
Einstein Special Relativity has Light speed as
a maximum EPR thought experiment
Copenhagen seemed to imply that the two objects
were Instantaneously linked.
Spooky action at a distant
17
Many Worlds

• Hugh Everett
• All outcomes occur.
• No Wavefunction collapse it persists in one form
  or another but in another world.
• Suggests that the Universe is a superposition of
  a limitless number of World wavefunctions.

18
De Broglie Bohm Pilot waves

• Objects are particulate but follow an
  encompassing wave.
• Objects create an wave like Aura that interacts.

19
(No Transcript)
20
Those who are not shocked when they first come
across quantum theory cannot possibly have
understood it. Niels Bohr
21
Prof . Dr. Ferenc Krausz Hungarian Institute
22
(No Transcript)
23
Quantum Entanglement
Case 1) Measuring objects can have independent
attributes.
Example Electrons can spin clockwise or counter
clockwise(usually called up and down.)
Case 2) Entangled Particles Electrons are
entangled when the states they are in are
linked. Produced spontaeously in Radioactive
decay, or Cosmic Rays Or can be produced in the
Lab. Knowing the state of one immediately
tells you the state of the second
24
Quantum Cosmology
An infinitesimal period after the bang
ALL Particles were created in an entangled
state!! In one sense we are all still entangled!
25
Quantum Disentanglement
Decoherence
Do entangled particles remain forever
entangled? What, if anything, obscures/removes
entanglement? Does entanglement support a theory
of Magic?
26
Quantum Teleportation
The Innsbruck Team
27
References/Bibliography

• Quantum Reality Nick Herbert(An excellent
  introduction with minimal technicality)
• Beyond Measure Jim Baggot(Brilliant book,
  first sections are very technical but second more
  descriptive.)
• Wholeness and the Implicate Order David Bohm
  (Brilliant book but quite technical in places)
• Science and Philosophy Niels Bohr(Another
  Classic)
• Mr Tompkins in Wonderland George
  Gamow(Simplistic but enjoyable read
  popularisation of several physics topics
  including relativity and quantum.)
• In Search of Schrödinger's Cat John
  Gribbin(Interesting popular science book)
• QED The strange theory of Light and Matter
  Dick Feynman(What can I say- its Dick Feynman
  straight talking no nonsense)
• Physics of the Soul Amit Goswami(Hot and cold
  on this sections are superb others leave me
  wanting to strangle the guy)
• The Quantum Self Danah Zohar(Non technical and
  I like it but its more about consciousness or
  self)
• Quantum Questions Edited Ken Weber(collection
  of mystical writings by the scientists who
  developed QT)
• Quantum Implications Edited( Cracking book but
  many sections are very technical, collection of
  papers focussed aroundDavid Bohms work by a
  variety of scientists and thinkers.)
• The Quantum Theory David Park(Extremely
  technical graduate course book)
• Perspectives of Modern Physics Arthur Beiser
• (Extremely technical graduate course book)
• Many websites but Wikipedia is a good source of
  images pictures etc.
• New Scientist Magazine Weekly science news
  periodical good articles on a variety of Quantum
  topics.