Planting in his Neighbor's Garden: David Hilbert and Early Göttingen Quantum Physics

David Hilbert (1862-1943) played an important role in establishing quantum physics in Göttingen. I analyze the ways in which his influence was decisive by comparison with Woldemar Voigt (1850-1919). Voigt was the leading Göttingen theoretical physicist before the arrival of Peter Debye (1884-1966), who was appointed to a new professorship in 1914 at Hilbert's instigation. I portray the Göttingen mathematicians, above all Hermann Minkowski (1864-1909) and David Hilbert, as planting the seeds for the blossoming of quantum physics under their student Max Born (1882-1970) in the 1920s.     

Einstein's First Steps Toward General Relativity: Gedanken Experiments and Axiomatics

Jahrbuch paper is an extraordinary document because it contains his first steps toward generalizing the 1905 relativity theory to include gravitation. Ignoring the apparent experimental disconfirmation of the 1905 relativity theory and his unsuccessful attempts to generalize the mass-energy equivalence, Einstein boldly raises the mass-energy equivalence to an axiom, invokes equality between gravitational and inertial masses, and then postulates the equivalence between a uniform gravitational field and an oppositely directed constant acceleration, the equivalence principle. How did this come about? What is at issue is scientific creativity. This necessitates broadening historical analysis to include aspects of cognitive science such as the role of visual imagery in Einstein's thinking, and the relation between conscious and unconscious modes of thought in problem solving. This method reveals the catalysts that sparked a Gedanken experiment that occurred to Einstein while working on the Jahrbuch paper. A mental model is presented to further explore Einstein's profound scientific discovery.     

Gravity as Spacetime Curvature

Einstein's general theory of relativity conceives the phenomena of gravity as manifestations of the curvature of the spacetime manifold in which physical events take place. I sketch the line of thought that led Einstein to this conception, and I briefly discuss proposals by Jeffreys and Feynman for retaining Einstein's gravitational field equations while discarding their purportedly geometrical meaning.     

On the Energy-Momentum Problem in Static Einstein Universe

The energy-momentum distributions of Einstein＇s simplest static geometrical model for an isotropic and homogeneous universe are evaluated. For this purpose, Einstein, Bergmann-Thomson, Landau-Lifshitz （LL）, Moller and Papapetrou energy-momentum complexes are used in general relativity. While Einstein and Bergmann-Thomson complexes give exactly the same results, LL and Papapetrou energy-momentum complexes do not provide the same energy densities. The Moller energy-momentum density is found to be zero everywhere in Einstein＇s universe. Also, several spacetimes are the limiting cases considered here.     

The meaning of time in the theory of relativity and “Einstein's later view of the Twin Paradox”

The purpose of the present paper is to reply to a misleading paper by M. Sachs entitled Einstein's later view of the Twin Paradox (TP) (Found. Phys. 15, 977 (1985)). There, by selecting some passages from Einstein's papers, he tried to convince the reader that Einstein changed his mind regarding the asymmetric aging of the twins on different motions. Also Sachs insinuates that he presented several years ago convincing mathematical arguments proving that the theory of relativity does not predict asymmetrical aging in the TP. Here we give a definitive treatment to the clocks problem showing that Sachs' convincing mathematical arguments are non sequitur. Also, by properly quoting Einstein, we show that his later view of the TP coincides with the one derived from the rigorous theory of time developed in this paper.     

Some remarks on general covariance of quantum theory

If one accepts Einstein's general principle of relativity (covariance principle) also for the sphere of microphysics (quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, theory of elementary particles), one has to ask how far the fundamental laws of traditional quantum physics fulfil this principle. The reason for presenting this short paper is to draw attention to a series of papers that have appeared during the last years, in which the author criticized the usual scheme of quantum theory (Heisenberg picture, Schrödinger picture, etc.) and presented a new foundation of the basic laws of quantum physics, obeying the principle of fundamental covariance (Einstein's covariance principle in space-time and covariance principle in Hilbert space of quantum operators and states) [1].Dedicated to Achille Papapetrou on the occasion of his retirement.     

Coordinates and covariance: Einstein's view of space-time and the modern view

Where modern formulations of relatively theory use differentiable manifolds to space-time, Einstein simply used open sets of R ⁴ , following the then current methods of differential geometry. This fact aids resolution of a number of outstanding puzzles concerning Einstein's use of coordinate systems and covariance principles, including the claimed physical significance of covariance principles, their connection to relativity principles, Einstein's apparent confusion of coordinate systems and frames of reference, and his failure to distinguish active and passive transformations, especially in the context of his hole and point-coincidence arguments     

Interrogating the Legend of Einstein's “Biggest Blunder”

It is well known that, following the emergence of the first evidence for an expanding universe, Albert Einstein banished the cosmological constant term from his cosmology. Indeed, he is reputed to have labelled the term, originally introduced to the field equations of general relativity in 1917 in order to predict a static universe, his “biggest blunder.” However, serious doubts about this reported statement have been raised in recent years. We interrogate the legend of Einstein’s “biggest blunder” statement in the context of our recent studies of Einstein’s cosmology in his later years. We find that the remark is highly compatible with Einstein’s cosmic models of the 1930s, with his later writings on cosmology, and with independent reports by at least three physicists. We conclude that there is little doubt that Einstein came to view the introduction of the cosmological constant term as a serious error and that he very likely labelled the term his “biggest blunder” on at least one occasion. This finding may be of some relevance for those theoreticians today who seek to describe the recently discovered acceleration in cosmic expansion without the use of a cosmological constant term.     

Einstein algebras and general relativity

A purely algebraic structure called an Einstein algebra is defined in such a way that every spacetime satisfying Einstein's equations is an Einstein algebra but not vice versa. The Gelfand representation of Einstein algebras is defined, and two of its subrepresentations are discussed. One of them is equivalent to the global formulation of the standard theory of general relativity; the other one leads to a more general theory of gravitation which, in particular, includes so-called regular singularities. In order to include other types of singularities one must change to sheaves of Einstein algebras. They are defined and briefly discussed. As a test of the proposed method, the sheaf of Einstein algebras corresponding to the spacetime of a straight cosmic string with quasiregular singularity is constructed.     

Semiclassical states in loop quantum gravity: an introduction

Unifying general relativity and quantum mechanics is a great challenge left to us by Einstein. To face this challenge, considerable progress has been made in non-perturbative canonical (loop) quantum gravity during the past 20 years. The kinematical Hilbert space of the quantum theory is constructed rigorously. However, the semiclassical analysis of the theory is still a crucial and open issue. In this review, we first introduce our work on constructing a semiclassical weave state, using the [ω] operator on the kinematical Hilbert space of loop quantum gravity. Then we give an introduction to the two different approaches currently investigated for constructing coherent states in the kinematical Hilbert space. The current status of semiclassical analysis in loop quantum gravity is then summarized.     

Peter Bergmann:The Education of a Physicist

I explore the early life and contributions of Peter Bergmann (1915–2002), focusing on his family background, education, and ideas. I examine how Bergmann’s formative years were shaped by the outspoken influence of his mother, a leading educational reformer; the distinguished reputation of his father, a renowned materials chemist; and his cherished hope of working with Albert Einstein (1879–1955), to whom he eventually became an assistant. Inspired by these and other notable thinkers, Bergmann became an exemplary organizer, educator, and mentor in the fields of general relativity and quantum gravity.     

General relativity without tensors in a central field

For static and spherically symmetric gravitational fields in the general theory of relativity, it is found possible completely to avoid tensor analysis. The principle of equivalence, illustrated by Einstein's elevator, is used to obtain Schwarzschild's equation, on which the three well-known tests of the general theory are usually based. The derivation is guided, as with Einstein, by Poisson's (Laplace's, in empty space) equation, which here can be solved by simple calculus.     

Cosmology as a search for overall equilibrium

The steps followed by Einstein when he first wrote on cosmology from the point of view of the general theory of relativity are revised. It is argued that his insightful line of thought leading to the introduction of the cosmological constant in the equations of motion has only one weakness: the constancy of the cosmological term, or what is the same, its independence of the matter content of the universe. Eliminating this feature, a simple and reasonable modification of the cosmological equations of motion is proposed. The solutions of the new cosmological equations give rise to a cosmological model that tries to approach the Einstein static solution. This model exhibits very appealing features in terms of fitting current observations. The text was submitted by the author in English.     

Electrodynamical origins of Einstein's theory of general relativity

The failure of the Newtonian theory of gravitation to satisfactorily account for the motion of Mercury's perihelion cannot be held to have justified the development of general relativity. This paper shows how the origins of general relativity were firmly embedded in contemporary attempts to introduce the new mechanics of special relativity into gravitational theory. These new theories of gravitation took as their basis the electrodynamical equations as formulated by Minkowski and attempted to represent the gravitational potential first by a vector and then by a scalar (in the four-dimensional sense). That Einstein chose the symmetric fundamental tensorg _ij as his gravitational potential is seen to have been both a natural and necessary development. With this viewpoint the full theory of general relativity can be seen to be remarkably similar to those theories of gravitation that preceded it. The paper also contains a previously unpublished letter written by Einstein to H. A. Lorentz.     

Boundary terms in the action principles of general relativity

I address the question: “What is fixed on the boundary in the action principles of general relativity?” Four forms of the action are considered: the Einstein action, the Hilbert action, the first order action, and what may be called the cosmological action. The relationships and boundary data of these actions are described geometrically. Formal passage to the “Euclidean” forms of these actions is effected in detail.     

The nature of Einstein's objections to the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics

In what follows, I examine three main points which may help us to understand the deep nature of Einstein's objections to quantum mechanics. After having played a fundamental pioneer role in the birth of quantum physics, Einstein was, as is well known, far less enthusiastic about its constitution as a quantum mechanics and, since 1927, he constantly argued against the pretention of its founders and proponents to have settled a definitive and complete theory. I emphasize first the importance of the philosophical climate, which was dominated by the Copenhagen orthodoxy and Bohr's idea of complementarity: What Einstein was primarily reluctant to was to accept the fundamental character of quantum mechanics as such, and to modify for it the basic principles of knowledge. I thus stress the main lines of Einstein's own programme in respect to quantum physics, which is to be considered in relation to his other contemporary attempts and achievements. Finally, I show how Einstein's arguments, when dealing with his objections, have been fruitful and some of them still worthy, with regard to recent developments concerning local nonseparability as well as concerning the problems of completeness and accomplishment of quantum theory.     

爱因斯坦与广义相对论

文章介绍了爱因斯坦建立相对论,特别是广义相对论的伟大贡献。爱因斯坦提出了光速不变原理、广义相对性原理、马赫原理和等效原理。他不仅首先指出万有引力本质上是时空弯曲的几何效应,而且首先给出了广义相对论的基本方程。文章还讨论了为什么爱因斯坦是狭义相对论和广义相对论的唯一创建者。     

The gauge in general relativity

The view is taken that the field equations of General Relativity, without a definition of congruence of length and time intervals at different events, are without physical content. The possibility is explored that the customary Einstein field equations are to be used but with a different congruence definition than is customary. When these resulting equations are, in turn, expressed with the customary congruence, they comprise a new set of field equations physically not equivalent to either Einstein's or Brans-Dicke's formulations of general relativity. Similarities with Einstein's and Brans-Dicke's formulations are discussed, and the possibility of experimental confirmation of these new equations is also briefly considered.     

规范场和爱因斯坦

文章讨论的主题是现代非亚贝尔规范场的理论思想．文章说明了这个理论思想是承传、推广和拓展了爱因斯坦的物理思想、目标和原则．规范场理论把爱因斯坦后半生努力奋斗而未能达到的目标提到现实，更加迫近和部分地圆了爱因斯坦的梦想。     

Gravitational waves from binary black holes

It is almost a century since Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves as one of the consequences of his general theory of relativity. A brief historical overview including Chandrasekhar’s contribution to the subject is first presented. The current status of the experimental search for gravitational waves and the attendant theoretical insights into the two-body problem in general relativity arising from computations of gravitational waves from binary black holes are then broadly reviewed.