Role of time in the sum-over-histories framework for gravity

I sketch a self-contained framework for quantum mechanics based on its path-integral or sum-over-histories formulation. The framework is very close to that for classical stochastic processes like Brownian motion, and its interpretation requires neither measurement nor state-vector as a basic notion. The rules for forming probabilities are nonclassical in two ways: they use complex amplitudes, and they (apparently unavoidably) require one to truncate the histories at a collapse time, which can be chosen arbitrarily far into the future. Adapting this framework to gravity yields a formulation of quantum gravity with a fully spacetime character, thereby overcoming the frozen nature of the canonical formalism. Within the proposed adaptation, the value of the collapse time is identified with total elapsed spacetime four-volume. Interestingly, this turns the cosmological constant into an essentially classical constant of integration, removing the need for microscopic fine tuning to obtain an experimentally viable value for it. Some implications of the V = T rule for quantum cosmology are also discussed.     

Can particle creation by a black hole be described in terms of more familiar laboratory processes?

Particle creation by a black hole is described in terms of temperature corrections to the Casimir effect. The results of Levin, Polevoy, and Ritov for spectral and total Poynting vector for a fluctuating electromagnetic field in a plane vacuum gap between two arbitrary media with different temperatures in flat spacetime are applied to clarify the situation that exists between the horizon of a nonrotating black hole and spatial infinity. This helps to reveal the mechanism of particle creation. The Hawking radiation is born inside the bell formed by a potential barrier of a black hole in all the region [2M, ]. Its blackbody spectrum is due to the interaction of field fluctuations with the surface of the bell. The particles between the walls are virtual ones. They can become real after passing through the [3M, ] tail, appearing to an observer at future infinityJ ⁺ as real ones. The arguments for and against the present standpoint are discussed.     

Lorentz matrices: A review

This is an expository review of the Lorentz transformation, which is a change of coordinates used by one inertial observer to those used by another one. The transformation can be represented by a four-by-four matrix, the Lorentz matrix or the Minkowski-Lorentz matrix. The most familiar, or special, case has thex axis of both observers parallel to their relative velocity. A more general transformation drops this constraint. But then a seeming paradox arises when there are three observers, and this has led to a challenge to the self-consistency of the special theory of relativity. It is shown here that this challenge is based on a misunderstanding. The properties of the more general Lorentz transformation are reviewed consistently in terms of the matrix approach, which the author believes is now the easiest approach to understand. The spectral analysis of the Lorentz matrix is also discussed. Several checks are included to make assurance double sure.     

Axiomatic unsharp quantum theory (From Mackey to Ludwig and Piron)

On the basis of Mackey's axiomatic approach to quantum physics or, equivalently, of a state-event-probability (SEVP) structure, using a quite standard fuzzification procedure, a set of unsharp events (or effects) is constructed and the corresponding state-effect-probability (SEFP) structure is introduced. The introduction of some suitable axioms gives rise to a partially ordered structure of quantum Brouwer-Zadeh (BZ) poset; i.e., a poset endowed with two nonusual orthocomplementation mappings, a fuzzy-like orthocomplementation, and an intuitionistic-like orthocomplementation, whose set of sharp elements is an orthomodular complete lattice. As customary, by these orthocomplementations the two modal-like necessity and possibility operators are introduced, and it is shown that Ludwig's and Jauch-Piron's approaches to quantum physics are interpreted in complete SEFP. As a marginal result, a standard procedure to construct a lot of unsharp realizations starting from any sharp realization of a fixed observable is given, and the relationship among sharp and corresponding unsharp realizations is studied.     

A phase cell approach to Yang-Mills theory

Variables are chosen to describe the continuum Yang-Mills fields, a discrete set of group valued variables. These are group elements associated to the sequence of lattice field theory configurations realizing the continuum field. The field is laid down inductively. At each inductive step one of three types of field excitations makes its contribution to the total field. These are either pure modes, averaging correction modes, or chunks. The pure modes are small field excitations, as studied in previous papers in this series [2,3]. The averaging correction modes are small excitations added to make sure the block spin transformation is satisfied at each edge. The chunks, encompassing most of our difficulties, are large field excitations. Topological obstructions in ₃(G) must be dealt with in defining a gauge choice for each chunk. The laying down process is complex, but fiendishly clever, ensuring a principle of gauge invariant coupling. Each group valued variable is either the amplitude of a pure mode or an internal variable in a chunk. The amplitude of an averaging correction mode is a dependent variable, a function of the (independent) variables used to describe the field. The (independent) variables herein defined are those whose mutual interaction will later be inductively decoupled in defining the phase cell cluster expansion (of course treating the variables of each chunk as a unit).This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. PHY-85-02074     

Standpoint cosmology

An unorthodox cosmology is based on a notion of standpoint, distinguishing past from future, realized through Hilbert-space representation of the complex conformai group for 3+1spacetime and associated coherent states. Physical (approximate) symmetry attaches to eight-parameter complex Poincaré displacements, interpretable as growth of standpoint age (one parameter), boost of matter energy-momentum in standpoint rest frame (three parameters) and displacement of matter location in a compact U(1)O(4)/O(3) spacetime attached to standpoint (four parameters). An initial condition (at big bang) is characterized by a huge dimensionless parameter that breaks dilation invariance. Four major length scales are recognized, called Planck, particle, lab, and Hubble, with separations controlled by ; all physical concepts, including spacetime, depend on wideness of scale separation.     

Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity in terms of Dirac spinors

The Dirac spinors and matrices are used in combination with the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner formalism in order to obtain yet another formulation of Hamiltonian general relativity, together with a new form of the Gauss-Codazzi equations. The relation with Ashtekar's variables is analyzed; it is shown, for instance, that the matrices are equivalent to the electric field variable. The electric and magnetic decomposition of the gravitational field is also studie using Dirac matrices.     

Upper critical fields of single-crystalline and polycrystalline Ca-Sr-Bi-Cu-O compounds

The ac resistivity of a 110 K phase multiphase polycrystalline Ca-Sr-Bi-Cu-O compound and an 85 K phase single-crystalline Ca_0.9Sr_2.1Cu_2.0O_{8 +} has been measured in various magnetic fields up to 8 T. Values forB _c ^2/ (0) of 71.5 T and forB _c2 (0) of 542 T are found for the 85 K phase sample. A value forB _c2(0) of 57.9 T is estimated for the 110K phase compound.     

On some frequent but controversial statements concerning the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen correlations

Quite often the compatibility of the EPR correlations with the relativity theory has been questioned; it has been stated that the first in time of two correlated measurements instantaneously collapses the other subsystem; it has been suggested that a causal asymmetry is built into the Feynman propagator. However, the EPR transition amplitude, as derived from the S matrix, is Lorentz andCPT invariant; the correlation formula is symmetric in the two measurements irrespective of their time ordering, so that the link of the correlations is the Feynman zigzag, and that causality isCPT invariant at the microlevel; finally, although the Feynman propagator has theP andCT symmetries, no causal asymmetry follows from that. As for Stapp's views concerning process and becoming, and his Whiteheadean concept of an advancing front, I object that they belong to factlike macrophysics, and are refuted at the microlevel by the EPR phenomenology, which displays direct Fokker-like space-time connections. The reason for this is a radical one. The very blending of a space-time picture and of a probability calculus is a paradox. The only adequate paradigm is one denying objectivity to space-time—but this, of course, is also required by the complementary of the x and the k pictures, which only look compatible at the macrolevel. Therefore, the classical objectivity must yield in favor of intersubjectivity. Only the macroscopic preparing and measuring devices have factlike objectivity; the transition of the quantal system takes place beyond both thex and thek 4-spaces. Then, the intrinsic symmetries between retarded and advanced waves, and statistical prediction and retrodiction, entails that the future has no less (but no more) existence than the past. It is the future that is significant in creative process, the elementary forms of which should be termed precognition or psychokinesis—respectively symmetric to the factlike taboos that we can neither know into the future nor act into the past. It is gratifying that Robert Jahn, at the Engineering School of Princeton University, is conducting (after others) conclusive experiments demonstrating low level psychokinesis—a phenomenon implied by the very symmetry of the negentropy-information transition. So, what pierces the veil of maya is the (rare) occurrence of paranormal phenomena. The essential severance between act and potentia is not a spacelike advancing front, but the out of and the into factlike space-time. Finally, I do not feel that an adequate understanding of the EPR phenomenology requires going beyond the present status of relativistic quantum mechanics. Rather, I believe that the potentialities of this formalism have not yet been fully exploited.     

Squeezed “atomic” states,pseudo-Hermitian operators and Wigner D-matrices

The states of N two-level atoms can be mapped onto the eigenvectors of angular momentum (with j=N/2) and this system in interaction with a radiation field constitutes a fundamental model in Quantum Optics. There from one may construct atomic coherent states and minimum uncertainty packets. The squeezing of such states is of considerable contemporary interest. We show that the properties of squeezed atomic states are most elegantly and economically expressed in terms of pseudo-Hermitian operators and through Wigner D-matrices and their analytical continuation.     

Some properties of topological geons

We investigate the Finkelstein-Misner geons for a non-simply-connected space-time manifold (M, g ₀). We use relations between different Lorentzian structures unequivalent tog ₀ and topological properties ofM given by the Morse theory. It implies that to some pieces of geons we have to associate Wheeler's worm-holes. Geons that correspond to time-orientable Lorentz structures are related tog ₀ by Morse functions that describe the attaching of a handle of index one. In the case of geons associated to time-nonorientable Lorentzian structures, appropriate handles are related to loops along which the notion of time reverses. If we assume electromagnetic properties of geons, then only four species, v, e, p, m, of different geons can exist and geon m has to decay according to mv+p+e.     

The influence of the “hot”-dimer adsorption mechanism on the kinetics of a monomer-dimer surface reaction

Hot dimers are molecules which after adsorption dissociate and each of the remaining hot monomers fly apart up to a maximum distance R from the original adsorption site. The influence of the hot-dimer adsorption mechanism on relevant aspects of the bimolecular catalyzed reaction of the type A – (1/2)B ₂(hot) AB is studied by means of the Monte-Carlo simulation technique. The temporal evolution of both the reactant's coverages as well as the rate of AB-production is evaluated and discussed. Due to the enhanced probability of hot species for encounters with other adsorbed particles, the rate of AB-production becomes faster when increasing R. This behavior may be relevant in the dynamic of some catalyzed reactions such as for example the oxidation of carbon monoxide on transition metal surfaces, i.e. ACO, B ₂O₂, and ABCO₂. Also the sticking coefficient of hot dimers and the average distance traveled by the hot monomers are evaluated and discussed.     

Generalized large number hypothesis and cosmological constant

By generalizing Dirac's large number hypothesis we infer that the cosmological constant varies witht ^–2, as expected from earlier studies.     

Equations of motion for continuum systems

We construct equations of motion for anN-component continuum. The basic assumption is that the dynamical vector field is the sum of two terms: a conservative term, being a Hamiltonian vector field associated with the energy function of the system; and a dissipative term, being a gradient vector field associated with a family of functions. The resulting equations satisfy the usual conservation laws for continuum systems, and, moreover, reduce to the standard fluid equations when the continuum is a fluid.     

Weak “phase transitions” in asymptotic properties of lattice sums

Two classes ofn-dimensional lattice sums are shown to exhibit a weak form of a phase transition in their asymptotic properties. Both classes depend on two parameters such that the leading term in an asymptotic limit of one parameter is independent of the structure of the lattice in one domain of the second parameter and dependent on the structure in an adjacent domain, with a boundary point, or transition temperature, between the two domains.     

Set theory and physics

Inasmuch as physical theories are formalizable, set theory provides a framework for theoretical physics. Four speculations about the relevance of set theoretical modeling for physics are presented: the role of transcendental set theory (i) in chaos theory, (ii) for paradoxical decompositions of solid three-dimensional objects, (iii) in the theory of effective computability (Church-Turing thesis) related to the possible solution of supertasks, and (iv) for weak solutions. Several approaches to set theory and their advantages and disadvatages for physical applications are discussed: Canlorian naive (i.e., nonaxiomatic) set theory, contructivism, and operationalism. In the author's opinion, an attitude of suspended attention (a term borrowed from psychoanalysis) seems most promising for progress. Physical and set theoretical entities must be operationalized wherever possible. At the same time, physicists should be open to bizarre or mindboggling new formalisms, which need not be operationalizable or testable at the lime of their creation, but which may successfully lead to novel fields of phenomenology and technology.     

Cyclic cocycles from graded KMS functionals

Each graded KMS functional of aZ/2-gradedC*-algebra with respect to a supersymmetric one-parameter automorphism group gives rise to a cyclic cocycle.     

What makes a theory physically “complete”?

Three claims about what makes a theory physically complete are (1) Shimony's assertion that a complete theory says all there is to say about nature; (2) EPR's requirement that a complete theory describe all elements of reality; and (3) Ballentine and Jarrett's claim that a predictively complete theory must obey a condition used in Bell deviations. After introducing statistical completeness as a partial formalization of (1), we explore the logical and motivational relationships connecting these completeness conditions. We find that statistical completeness motivates but does not imply Jarrett's completeness condition, because Jarrett's condition encodes further intuitions about locality and causality. We also dispute Ballentine and Jarrett's claim that EPR-completeness implies Jarrett's completeness condition.     

Inertial frames of reference: Mass coupling to space and time

We consider a new expression for the dependence of mass on velocity, more general than the corresponding law of the special theory of relativity (STR). The deviations from the STR become large with increasing rest mass. One should therefore measure the dependence of mass on velocity for objects with a large rest mass. The theory predicts that particles with real mass can travel with hyperlight velocities. The space-time picture discussed here is close to Mach's conception: It is assumed that the dynamical behavior of a particle in uniform translational motion is due to the action of all the other masses in the universe. Space-time is eliminated as an active cause and, in contrast to the STR, is not absolute within the theory discussed here. It turns out that effects based on the new transformation formulas (from the coordinates and time in a stationary frame to the coordinates and time in a moving frame) are identical to those expected from the Lorentz transformations. For example, it is known that rapidly moving mesons decay with a longer half-life than stationary mesons and the STR describes this effect quantitatively. However, there is no strong evidence for the validity of the STR because the theory given in this paper predicts the same result.     

The derivation of the quantum kinetic equation and the two-time resolvent method

Van Hove's partial density matrix, _E (t), in his generalized master equation is interpreted as a Wigner representation of two-time dyad for energy E and time t. This interpretation enables us to integrate the energyE in Van Hove's master equation. The resultant equation is of non-Markov type on two time parameters. Starting with this master equation, the derivation of quantum kinetic equations, including the second-order approximation in the density expansion, is discussed. The scaling of the quantum kinetic equation is examined in detail for a system in which particles interact through the delta shell potential. It is shown that the quantum kinetic equation, including three-particle scattering, may exist for the physical situations of low-energy scattering,high-energy scattering, and for resonance scattering for time scales of the system sufficiently separated. In deriving the quantum kinetic equation, a factorization theorem form-particle distribution functions is proved to arbitrary order in perturbation expansion.