Atomic versus ionized states in many-particle systems and the spectra of reduced density matrices: A model study

We study the spectrum of appropriate reduced density matrices for a model consisting of one quantum particle (electron) in a classical fluid (of protons) at thermal equilibrium. The quantum and classical particles interact by a shortrange, attractive potential such that the quantum particle can form atomic bound states with a single classical particle. We consider two models for the classical component: an ideal gas and the cell model of a fluid. We find that when the system is at low density the spectrum of the electron-proton pair density matrix has, in addition to a continuous part, a discrete part that is associated with atomic bound states. In the high-density limit the discrete eigenvalues disappear in the case of the cell model, indicating the existence of pressure ionization or a Mott effect according to a general criterion for characterizing bound and ionized electron-proton pairs in a plasma proposed recently by M. Girardeau. For the ideal gas model, on the other hand, eigenvalues remain even at high density.     

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.     

Instead of particles and fields: A micro realistic quantum “smearon” theory

A fully micro realistic, propensity version of quantum theory is proposed, according to which fundamental physical entities—neither particles nor fields—have physical characteristics which determine probabilistically how they interact with one another (rather than with measuring instruments). The version of quantum smearon theory proposed here does not modify the equations of orthodox quantum theory: rather it gives a radically new interpretation to these equations. It is argued that (i) there are strong general reasons for preferrring quantum smearon theory to orthodox quantum theory; (ii) the proposed change in physical interpretation leads quantum smearon theory to make experimental predictions subtly different from those of orthodox quantum theory. Some possible crucial experiments are considered.     

Cosmological surrealism: More than “eternal reality” is needed

Inflationary cosmology makes the universe eternal and provides for recurrent universe creation, ad infinitum — making it also plausible to assume that our Big Bang was also preceeded by others, etc.. However, GR tells us that in the parent universe's reference frame, the newborn universe's expansion will never start. Our picture of reality in spacetime has to be enlarged.Wolfson Distinguished Chair in Theoretical Physics.Also on leave from the University of Texas, Center for Particle Physics, Austin, Texas.     

MultipletSO(n+1) scalar fields driving eternal expansion in closed (D+1)-dimensional FLRW cosmologies

The possibility of having a de Sitter asymptotic stage free of choice of the value of the positive cosmological constant (no critical ) is analyzed in a closed FLRW universe which starts from a quiescent phase of evolution and ends into a textured phase by taking into account multipletSO(n+1) scalar fields.On leave of absence from Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil     

The first and second nearest neighbour Cr3+ pairs in ruby

The irreducible representations of the states of the first and second nearest neighbour Cr³⁺ pairs in ruby were deduced from the known states of the single ions by the group theoretical method of induction. The summetry selection rules and polarizations for electric dipole radiation are discussed.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft within the Sonderforschungsbereich 65 Frankfurt-Darmstadt.     

Quantum measurements,sequential and latent

The results of a hypothetical experiment requiring a sequence of quantum measurements are obtained retrospectively, after the experiment has been completed, from a single reading of an apparatus register. The experiment is carried out reversibly and Schrödinger's equation is satisfied until the terminal reading of the register. The technique is illustrated using a feasible method of measuring photon spin as the quantum object observable and using the photon energy as the apparatus register. The technique is used to discuss the watchdog effect, the effect of repeated measurements inhibiting quantum jumps.     

A reinterpretation of von Neumann's theory of measurement

Von Neumann's theory of measurement in quantum mechanics is reinterpreted so that the experimental arrangement specifies the location of the cut by calling for the separate observation of the object and the measuring apparatus after the initial measurement interaction. The measurement ascertains which element of the mixture describing the final state of the apparatus is actually present. The relevance and feasibility of observing the final coherent state of the object plus apparatus is criticized and the paradoxes of Schrödinger's cat and Wigner's friend are discussed.Work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.     

Methodological imperfection and formalizations of scientific activity

Any mathematical formalization of scientific activity allows for imperfections in the methodology that is formalized. These can be of three types, dirty, rotten, and dammed. Restricting mathematical attention to those methods that cannot be construed to be imperfect drastically reduces the class of objects that must be analyzed, and relates all other objects to these more regular ones. Examples are drawn from empirical logic.     

Bell-type inequalities in the nonideal case: Proof of a conjecture of bell

Recently Bell has conjectured that, with epsilonics, one should be able to argue, à la EPR, from almost ideal correlations (in parallel Bohm-Bell pair experiments) to almost determinism, and that this should suffice to derive an approximate Bell-type inequality. Here we prove that this is indeed the case. Such an inequality—in principle testable—is derived employing only weak locality conditions, imperfect correlation, and a propensity interpretation of certain conditional probabilities. Outcome-independence (Jarrett's completeness condition), hence factorability of joint probabilities, is not assumed, but rather an approximate form of this is derived. An alternative proof to the original one of Bell [1971] constraining stochastic, contextual hidden-variables theories is thus provided.     

Semi-classical asymptotics in solid state physics

This article studies the Schrödinger equation for an electron in a lattice of ions with an external magnetic field. In a suitable physical scaling the ionic potential becomes rapidly oscillating, and one can build asymptotic solutions for the limit of zero magnetic field by multiple scale methods from homogenization. For the time-dependent Schrödinger equation this construction yields wave packets which follow the trajectories of the semiclassical model. For the time-independent equation one gets asymptotic eigenfunctions (or quasimodes) for the energy levels predicted by Onsager's relation.     

Diffusion of interacting particles on a percolating lattice

The diffusion has been simulated by the Monte Carlo method on a random lattice. As in the ant in the labyrinth problem the particles move by stepping to allowed, randomly chosen neighboring fields. The particle interaction has been defined by the constraint that only one particle can occupy a site at a time. Biased diffusion means that one of the directions will be chosen with a greater probability than the others. It was shown that, with an increasing number of walkers, the displacement of the particles first of all increases to a maximum value and then decreases. This filling-up effect will not occur with small bias fields and on lattices with a high concentration of allowed sites.     

The use of time-dependent projection operators in the derivation of master equations

In this paper we generalize our previous work on the use of time-dependent projection operators for the derivation of master equations for general systems. Previously we had generalized the usual time-independent projection operator approach to include time-dependent projection operators, in which the relevant part of the full density operator is considered to be the uncorrelated part of the full density operator. The irrelevant part of the density operator was then the part describing the correlations between the coupled systems. In the present work we present new time-dependent projections operators which have the property that some correlations between the interacting subsystems are placed in the relevant part of the distribution function and the remaining correlations are placed in the irrelevant part of the distribution function.     

Anti-photon

It should be apparent from the title of this article that the author does not like the use of the word photon, which dates from 1926. In his view, there is no such thing as a photon. Only a comedy of errors and historical accidents led to its popularity among physicists and optical scientists. I admit that the word is short and convenient. Its use is also habit forming. Similarly, one might find it convenient to speak of the aether or vacuum to stand for empty space, even if no such thing existed. There are very good substitute words for photon, (e.g., radiation or light), and for photonics (e.g., optics or quantum optics). Similar objections are possible to use of the word phonon, which dates from 1932. Objects like electrons, neutrinos of finite rest mass, or helium atoms can, under suitable conditions, be considered to be particles, since their theories then have viable non-relativistic and non-quantum limits. This paper outlines the main features of the quantum theory of radiation and indicates how they can be used to treat problems in quantum optics.It is a pleasure to join in the 60th birthday celebration of the Director, Herbert Walther, of the Max-Planck-Institute for Quantum Optics at Garching, and wish him much happiness and many more years of his very great scientific creativity.     

Intersubjectivity,relativistic covariance,and conditionals: response to C. I. J. M. Stuart

A misunderstanding persists between Stuart and me, which I do my best to clarify. Bayesian inverse subjectivities versus relativistic covariance and physical intersubjectivity are discussed. A joint number of chances formalism taking care of the propagation of the probability of causes is proposed.     

Hyperfine interactions in muonium-impurity complexes in silicon

The properties of paramagnetic complexes formed by muonium located near acceptor and donor impurities in silicon are calculated using the quantum chemical methods. The calculated data are compared to the experimentally observed characteristics of normal and anomalous muonium centers.     

Dark body and black hole horizons

The formula for the horizon of a Newtonian dark body is given and compared to that of a relativistic black hole: a Newtonian dark body has at least one hair.     

Evolutionary drive: The effect of microscopic diversity,error making,and noise

In order to model any macroscopic system, it is necessary to aggregate both spatially and taxonomically. If average processes are assumed, then kinetic equations of population dynamics can be derived. Much effort has gone into showing the important effects introduced by non-average effects (fluctuations) in generating symmetry-breaking transitions and creating structure and form. However, the effects of microscopic diversity have been largely neglected. We show that evolution will select for populations which retain variability, even though this is, at any given time, loss-making, predicting that we shall not observe populations with optimal behavior, but populations which can learn. This lesser short-term efficiency may be why natural diversity is so great. Evolution is seen to be driven by the noise to which it leads.     

Anomalies of the electrical properties and the stability of the double layer at a metal-electrolyte boundary. Characteristics of the capacitance of a double layer with relaxing “plates∝

An electromechanical model of the electric double layer, whose plates are displaced on charging, is proposed; it is shown for the example of this model that the differential capacitance can diverge and become negative. The reasons why these anomalies were not predicted in the well-known models of the double layer are examined.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 11, pp. 9–15, November 1987.     

The problem of the imperfection of a world,itself created by a perfect god

The two main arguments concern(1) the presence of an enlightened complementarity between philosophic (including scientific) and religious (not including mystic) thought, and(2) the necessity to postulate a threefold relationship whenever one is to gain knowledge of any kind. They are both inspired by physics (from Bohr's strict complementarity, resp. from Newton's fundamental postulate).God's perfection resides at least in Symmetry in a generalized (not restrictively spatial) sense. Yet, as the argument goes, Space does not exist as a thing. Consequently, the Great Geometer (God) cannot dwell within a World He creates, and it is wrong to speak about His (God's) existence; for, existence is bound to the temporal, and Time is, together with the World, part of God's creation. Thus the only possible creation consists in God separating World and Time from Himself: This is the paradigm of Symmetry-breaking.Polytheistic mythologies all assume such and such imperfection of their deities; hence perfection is meaningful for monotheism only. A relationship of a threefold (trinitary) nature must then obtain between God, World, and Time; this is analogous to Newton's postulate relating force, momentum and time. Just as the latter and its specific generalizations must be found true by verification, the said threefold relationship must also be found true: within philosophic thoughtmore geometrico (in a generalized sense), within religious thoughtmore hymnometrico. Yet the complementarity (called enlightened) arising between the two kinds of thought is of a higher nature than Bohr's strict complementarity. While it can be understood from the role assumed by language itself, it can however only be disposed of within mystic contemplation.Dedicated to Sir KARL POPPER on the occasion of his 90th birthday.