Introduction to Dynamical Wave Function Collapse: Realism in Quantum Physics: Volume 1

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Philip Pearle

Introduction to Dynamical Wave Function Collapse

Realism in Quantum Physics: Volume 1

Philip Pearle

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English

Oxford University Press
30 January 2024

Quantum theory (QT) is the best, most useful physics theory ever invented. For example, ubiquitous are cell phones, laser scanners, medical imagers, all inventions depending on QT. However, there is something deeply wrong with QT. It describes the probabilities of what happens, but it does not give a description of what actually happens. Most (but not all) physicists are not worried about this flaw, the probabilities are good enough for them. Other physicists, the author included, believe that is not good enough. The purpose of physics is to describe reality.

To not do so is to abandon 'the great enterprise' (John Bell). This book shows one way to alter QT so that the new theory does describe what actually happens. This theory, created over three decades ago, has been called the 'Continuous Spontaneous Localization' (CSL) theory.

Many experiments over this period have tested CSL, and so far it is neither confirmed nor refuted. This book shows how CSL works, and discusses its consequences. Ideal for academic students, graduates and practising scientists and physicists seeking a deeper understanding of the quantum realm, this book provides accessible explanations and sheds light on the interplay between probability and reality in the realm of quantum theory.

By: Philip Pearle
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 250mm, Width: 175mm, Spine: 16mm
Weight: 626g
ISBN: 9780198901372
ISBN 10: 0198901372
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 30 January 2024
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

1: Introduction 2: Continuous Spontaneous Localization (CSL) Theory 3: CSL Theory Refinements 4: Non-Relativistic CSL 5: Spontaneous Localization (SL) Theory 6: Some Experiments Testing CSL 7: Interpretational Remarks 8: Supplement to Chapter 1 9: Supplement to Chapter 2 10: Supplement to Chapter 3 11: Supplement to Chapter 4 12: Supplement to Chapter 5 13: Supplement to Chapter 6 14: Supplement to Chapter 7 15: A Stochastic Differential Equation Cookbook 16: CSL Expressed as a Schrodinger Stochastic DE 17: Applying the CSL Stratonovich Equation to the Free Particle Undergoing Collapse in Position 18: Applying the CSL Stratonovich Equation to the Harmonic Oscillator Undergoing Collapse in Position Appendix A: Gaussians Appendix B: Random Walk Appendix C: Brownian Motion/Wiener Process Appendix D: White Noise Appendix E: White Noise Field Appendix F: Density Matrix Appendix G: Theoretical Constraint Calculations

Professor Philip Pearle was born and grew up in New York City. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1953, and then attended MIT. He studied Electrical Engineering and obtained his BS in 1957 and MS in 1958 in a cooperative program with Bell Labs. He then entered the MIT PhD program in Physics in 1959, and graduated in 1963. He taught at Harvard between 1963 and 1966, at Case Institute of Technology from 1966 to 1969 and at Hamilton College from 1969 until 2002. As an undergraduate, he became interested in the foundations of Quantum Theory when taking his junior quantum physics course using David Bohm's textbook. He delved into particle physics at first but then followed a compulsion to delve into Foundations later. He was encouraged to do so at Harvard by Wendell Furry, at Case by Leslie Foldy, and in his first years at Hamilton College by Fred Belinfante and Roger Penrose.

Reviews for Introduction to Dynamical Wave Function Collapse: Realism in Quantum Physics: Volume 1

A most welcome addition to the physics literature written with extreme care and covering the objective subject matter in a thorough professional and methodical manner. * Daniel Sudarsky, UNAM, Mexico City * A book of very high quality presenting a way of modifying quantum mechanics to remove some of its most serious problems (especially the measurement problem). * Kelvin McQueen, Chapman University, Orange, California * Pearle is the master of this material and writes with beautiful clarity and well-judged occasional witticisms and side-remarks. His experience as teacher, as well as researcher, shows in the vivid explanations, and the careful and consistent level of detail in the exposition. * Jeremy Butterfield, University of Cambridge * Introduction to Dynamical Wave Function Collapse,' by Philip Pearle, offers a comprehensive and meticulous guide to the historical development and current status of dynamical collapse theories-particularly the Continuous Spontaneous Localisation approach originally proposed by the author. * Emily Adlam, Foundations of Physics * Pearle's book offers both an important historical record and a valuable resource forongoing research on the dynamical collapse programme. Though there are as yet unresolvedquestions about the approach on both the conceptual and the technical sides, Pearle paints a compelling picture of the wide range of applications to which the approach can be applied, and leaves readers with plenty of reasons for optimism about the future of dynamical collapse models. * Emily Adlam, Foundations of Physics * Introduction to Dynamical Wave Function Collapse,' by Philip Pearle, offers a comprehensive and meticulous guide to the historical development and current status of dynamical collapse theories-particularly the Continuous Spontaneous Localisation approach originally proposed by the author. * Emily Adlam, Foundations of Physics *