Quantized Detector Networks
Quantized Detector Networks
Scientists have been debating the meaning of quantum mechanics for over a century. This book for graduate students and researchers gets to the root of the problem; the contextual nature of empirical truth, the laws of observation and how these impact on our understanding of quantum physics. Bridging the gap between non-relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, this novel approach to quantum mechanics extends the standard formalism to cover the observer and their apparatus. The author demystifies some of the aspects of quantum mechanics that have traditionally been regarded as extraordinary, such as wave-particle duality and quantum superposition, by emphasizing the scientific principles rather than the mathematical modelling involved. Including key experiments and worked examples throughout to encourage the reader to focus on empirically sound concepts, this book avoids metaphysical speculation and also alerts the reader to the use of computer algebra to explore quantum experiments of virtually limitless complexity.
- Offers a wide-ranging discussion of many key concepts in quantum physics that have generally been treated in isolation
- Explores a natural extension of standard quantum mechanics, one that allows observers to be discussed on a par with the systems they are observing
- Includes discussions of spectacular experiments that prove the subtlety and nuance of the physical reality of quantum mechanics
Product details
No date availableHardback
9781107136236
386 pages
254 × 180 × 26 mm
0.86kg
45 b/w illus. 8 tables
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Acronyms
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Questions and answers
- 3. Classical bits
- 4. Quantum bits
- 5. Classical and quantum registers
- 6. Classical register mechanics
- 7. Quantum register dynamics
- 8. Partial observations
- 9. Mixed states and POVMs
- 10. Double-slit experiments
- 11. Modules
- 12. Computerization and computer algebra
- 13. Interferometers
- 14. Quantum eraser experiments
- 15. Particle decays
- 16. Non-locality
- 17. Bell inequalities
- 18. Change and persistence
- 19. Temporal correlations
- 20. The Franson experiment
- 21. Self-intervening networks
- 22. Separability and entanglement
- 23. Causal sets
- 24. Oscillators
- 25. Dynamical theory of observation
- 26. Conclusions
- Appendix
- Index.
