Friction and diffusion coefficients in coordinate in nonequilibrium nuclear processes

The influence of different sets of friction and diffusion coefficients on the dynamics of a nuclear system is investigated. Taking as an example a dinuclear system we show in a “classic” investigation that with zero diffusion in the coordinate, the uncertainty relation can be violated during short initial times. Sets of diffusion coefficients are found for which the “classic” and quantum diffusion equations give close physical results. The tunneling through an energy barrier is sensitively influenced by the friction and diffusion coefficients in coordinate in the diffusion equation.     

Quantum knitting

We analyze the connections between the mathematical theory of knots and quantum physics by addressing a number of algorithmic questions related to both knots and braid groups. Knots can be distinguished by means of “knot invariants,” among which the Jones polynomial plays a prominent role, since it can be associated with observables in topological quantum field theory. Although the problem of computing the Jones polynomial is intractable in the framework of classical complexity theory, it has been recently recognized that a quantum computer is capable of approximating it in an efficient way. The quantum algorithms discussed here represent a breakthrough for quantum computation, since approximating the Jones polynomial is actually a “universal problem,” namely, the hardest problem that a quantum computer can efficiently handle.     

Contrasting Classical and Quantum Vacuum States in Non-inertial Frames

Classical electron theory with classical electromagnetic zero-point radiation (stochastic electrodynamics) is the classical theory which most closely approximates quantum electrodynamics. Indeed, in inertial frames, there is a general connection between classical field theories with classical zero-point radiation and quantum field theories. However, this connection does not extend to noninertial frames where the time parameter is not a geodesic coordinate. Quantum field theory applies the canonical quantization procedure (depending on the local time coordinate) to a mirror-walled box, and, in general, each non-inertial coordinate frame has its own vacuum state. In particular, there is a distinction between the “Minkowski vacuum” for a box at rest in an inertial frame and a “Rindler vacuum” for an accelerating box which has fixed spatial coordinates in an (accelerating) Rindler frame. In complete contrast, the spectrum of random classical zero-point radiation is based upon symmetry principles of relativistic spacetime; in empty space, the correlation functions depend upon only the geodesic separations (and their coordinate derivatives) between the spacetime points. The behavior of classical zero-point radiation in a noninertial frame is found by tensor transformations and still depends only upon the geodesic separations, now expressed in the non-inertial coordinates. It makes no difference whether a box of classical zero-point radiation is gradually or suddenly set into uniform acceleration; the radiation in the interior retains the same correlation function except for small end-point (Casimir) corrections. Thus in classical theory where zero-point radiation is defined in terms of geodesic separations, there is nothing physically comparable to the quantum distinction between the Minkowski and Rindler vacuum states. It is also noted that relativistic classical systems with internal potential energy must be spatially extended and can not be point systems. The classical analysis gives no grounds for the “heating effects of acceleration through the vacuum” which appear in the literature of quantum field theory. Thus this distinction provides (in principle) an experimental test to distinguish the two theories.     

Mesons in the large-N collective field method

The large-N limit of SU(N) matrix quantum mechanics has been studied recently as a model for large-N Yang-Mills theory. Here we solve this model with fundamental representation fermions (“quarks”) added. The “meson” spectrum is given by an integral equation and exhibits asymptotically linear “Regge trajectories” with the same spacing as that of the “glueballs”.     

Quantum cybernetics and its test in “late choice” experiments

A relativistically invariant wave equation for the propagation of wave fronts S = const (S being the action function) is derived on the basis of a cybernetic model of quantum systems involving “hidden variables”. This equation can be considered both as an expression of Huygens' principle and as a general continuity equation providing a close link between classical and quantum mechanics. Although the theory reproduces ordinary quantum mechanics, there are particular situations providing experimental predictions differing from those existing theories. Such predictions are made for so-called “late choice” experiments, which are modified versions of the familiar “delayed choice” experiments.     

Some New Developments in the Theory of Path Integrals,with Applications to Quantum Theory

A survey of recent developments concerning rigorously defined infinite dimensional integrals, mainly of the type of “Feynman path integrals,” is given. Both the theory and its applications, especially in quantum theory, are presented. As for the theory, general results are discussed including the case of polynomially growing phase functions, which are handled by exploiting the connection with probabilistic functional integrals. Also applications to continuous measurement theory and the stochastic Schrödinger equation are given. Other applications of probabilistic methods in non relativistic quantum theory and in quantum field theory, and their relations with statistical mechanics, are discussed.     

Fundamental Problems in the Unification of Physics

We discuss the following problems, plaguing the present search for the “final theory”: (1) How to find a mathematical structure rich enough to be suitably approximated by the mathematical structures of general relativity and quantum mechanics? (2) How to reconcile nonlocal phenomena of quantum mechanics with time honored causality and reality postulates? (3) Does the collapse of the wave function contain some hints concerning the future quantum gravity theory? (4) It seems that the final theory cannot avoid the problem of dynamics, and consequently the problem of time. What kind of time, if this theory is supposed to be background free? (5) Will the dynamics of the “final theory” be probabilistic? Quantum probability exhibits some essential differences as compared with classical probability; are they but variations of some more general probabilistic measure theory? (6) Do we need a radically new interpretation of quantum mechanics, or rather an entirely new theory of which the present quantum mechanics is an approximation? (7) If the final theory is to be background free, it should provide a mechanism of space-time generation. Should we try to explain not only the generation of space-time, but also the generation of its material content? (8) As far as the existence of the initial singularity is concerned, one usually expects either “yes” or “not” answers from the final theory. However, if the mathematical structure of the future theory is supposed to be truly more general that the mathematical structures of the present general relativity and quantum mechanics, is a “third answer“ possible? Could this third answer be related to the probabilistic character of the final theory? We discuss these questions in the framework of a working model unifying gravity and quanta. The analysis reveals unexpected aspects of these rather wildly discussed issues.     

Empirical logics

“To what extent is logic empirical?” is a question that has been often discussed in connection with the studies about the foundations of quantum theory. Today we are facing not only a variety of logics, but even a variety of quantum logics. Hence, the original question seems to have turned to the new one: to what extent is it reasonable to look for the “right quantum logic”?     

Topological bootstrap theory of hadrons

A topological framework is constructed for anS-matrix bootstrap theory of particles. Each component of anS-matrix topological expansion is associated with a pair of intersecting “quantum” and “classical” surfaces whose complexity exhibits an entropy property. The bounded classical surface embeds graphs that carry the direct observables — energymomentum, spin and electric charge. The closed quantum surface carries a triangulation whose orientations represent internal quantum numbers — which turn out to be baryon number, lepton number and flavor. A form of “color” automatically appears. All strong-interaction components of the expansion are generated through “Landau connected sums” from “zeroentropy” surface pairs — which are self generating. Elementary particles correspond to triangulated areas on the quantum surface; consistency at zero entropy determines allowed hadrondisks on quantum spheres together with the associated quantum numbers. Elementary topological hadrons turn out to include mesons, baryons and baryoniums, with quarks appearing as “peripheral triangles” (along the perimenters of hadron disks) whose attachments correspond to a total of 8 flavors as well as spin. Individual quarks do not carry momentum and cannot be hadrons; quark confinement is automatic. Also appearing within hadron disks are “core triangles” that carry baryon number and electric charge but no flavor or spin. Hadron disks have quantum numbers that accord with the lowestmass physically-observed mesons and baryons. The relation of topological theory to QCD is discussed.     

On the structure of the relativistic many-body problem and the construction of effective many-hadron theories

The general structure of the bound state problem posed by a Poincaré-invariant quantum field theory is discussed. It is pointed out that the only present-day method which promises to solve this problem is a nonperturbative regularisation and a check of scaling in the continuum limit. It is demonstrated that perturbation procedures like the Green's function methods of “quantum hadro-dynamics” are inconsistent with respect to covariance and do not solve the bound state problem. As a consequence we propose to use for an effective many-hadron theory a regularised Hamiltonian including form factors, the arbitrariness of which may be essentially restricted by a “minimal relativity” condition. Examples for such effective theories are discussed.     

Quantum integrals of motion and gravity wave experiment: Measurements in pure quantum states

Quantum limitations arising in measurements of a classical force acting on a quantum harmonic oscillator are studied in connection with the problem of increasing the sensitivity of gravity wave experiments. The physical nature of possible limits of sensitivity is elucidated. It originates in a degree of an uncertainty of an observable used for detecting an external force. This uncertainty can be made as small as desired for all moments of time for the observables corresponding to quantum integrals of motion. Advantages of integrals of motion with continuous spectra (like the operator of the initial coordinate) over integrals with discrete spectra (like energy) are discussed. An example of an observable suitable for exact continuous measurements of an external force independently on the initial state of the system—the difference link operator—is given. The general rule for constructing such “optimal observables” can be derived from the quantum optimal filtration theory. It is shown using Ehrenfest's theorem that no quantum limitations exist in principle for the accuracy of measurements of an external classical force acting on an arbitrary quantum system: limitations can appear only due to nonadequate measuring procedures. The general problem of finding the initial quantum states possessing the best sensitivity to an external force is formulated. The parametrically excited oscillator is briefly discussed, and it is shown that measuring the suitable integral of motion one can achieve the great gain in sensitivity. The role of quantum interference effects is emphasized.     

On the quantum mechanical description of scattering by a dissipative and diffusive scattering centre

A partial integro-differential equation is formulated for the Wigner transform of the quantum mechanical reduced density operator describing the time evolution of a “macroscopic” coordinate under the influence of coupling to a large number of “intrinsic” degrees of freedom. The equation contains integral operators which lead to energy dissipation and diffusion and reduces to a transport equation of the Fokker-Planck type if the form factors in the integrands are treated in appropriate (harmonic) approximations. The stationary solution of the partial integro-differential equation is obtained numerically for scattering by a conservative potential and by a dissipative and diffusive scattering centre in one spatial dimension.     

Many-time hamiltonian gravitation theory

It is shown that given any “good” coordinate condition in Hamiltonian general relativity one can construct an associated many-time formulation in which the constraints can be solved for some of the momenta as functionals of the remaining canonical variables. Since good coordinate conditions appear to be available for both open and closed spaces it follows that the functional wave equation for general relativity can be always put in a Tomonaga-Schwinger form. The implications of this result and some open problems are briefly discussed.     

Critical layer singularities and complex eigenvalues in some differential equations of mathematical physics

Singular differential equations are a common feature of many problems in mathematical physics. It is often the case that systems with a similar mathematical structure can arise in many different contexts. In this article, mathematically related problems are drawn from areas as diverse as hydrodynamics (with applications to oceanography and meteorology), magnetohydrodynamics and plasma physics (with applications to astrophysics and geophysics, especially solar physics, ionospheric and magnetospheric physics; also nuclear fusion devices), acoustics, electromagnetics, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. One major unifying feature common to the problems discussed here is the existence of complex eigenvalues, often associated with so-called “classical self-adjoint” equations. No real contradiction is involved here, but the resulting wave functions are often referred to variously as “radioactive states”, “damped resonances”, “leaky waves”, “non-modal solutions” , “singular modes”, “virtual modes”, or “improper eigenfunctions”. In the hydrodynamics of shear flows, such modes are associated with the existence of “critical layers” at which a singularity occurs in the governing (ordinary) differential equation. Similar, but usually more general singular layers are known to occur in equations arising in many of the above-mentioned contexts, and it is the purpose of this review to identify the nature of these singular layers and complex eigenvalues, and the relationships that exist between the different context in which they are found, and in particular to emphasize the occurrence of and interpretation of complex eigenvalues in quantum mechanics. Thus the “exponential catastrophe” is a clearly identified and recurring theme throughout this article by virtue of the similarities that exist between the classical and quantum system discussed here. The examples quoted from quantum mechanics are simple in form, and found in many standard texts, but the virtue of including them here is twofold: the results are easy to understand and relate to the more complicated “classical” systems, and they provide a valuable didactic and pedagogic tool for those readers whose background in quantum mechanics is limited. It is also hoped that this article will be of interest to readers who wish to become more acquainted with some aspects of hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics.