Correlations beyond the horizon

It is a fundamental feature of quantum field theory that correlations between observable quantities occur over all spacetime regions. In particular, in cosmological models with horizons, such correlations will be present in regions which lie outside of each other's horizon. Such correlations may play an important role in processes occurring in the early universe.This essay received the first award from the Gravity Research Foundation, 1992—Ed.     

AN EXTENSION OF “POPPER'S EXPERIMENT” CAN TEST INTERPRETATIONS OF QUANTUM MECHANICS

Karl Popper proposed a way to test whether a proposed relation of a quantum-mechanical state to perceived reality in the Copenhagen interpretation (CI) of quantum mechanics—namely that the state of a particle is merely an expression of what is known about the system—is in agreement with all experimental facts. A conceptual flaw in Popper's proposal is identified and an improved version of his experiment (called Extension step 1)—which fully serves its original purpose—is suggested. The main purpose of this paper is to suggest to perform this experiment. The results of this experiment predicted under the alternative assumptions that the CI or the many-worlds interpretation (MWI) is correct are shown to be identical. Only after a further modification (called Extension step 2) (the use of an ion isolated from the macroscopic environment as particle detector) the predictions using the respective interpretations become qualitatively different. This is because what is known by a human observer H can fail as a basis for the prediction of the statistical distribution of measurement results within the MWI in special cases: The temporal evolution of a system un-entangled with H (like the isolated ion) can depend on another system's state components that are entangled with states ortogonal to H. Thus—within the CI—for H they are known not to exist. Yet H can infer their existence by studying the evolution of the ion.     

Gravitomagnetic and Gravitoelectric Waves in General Relativity

Lower-order terms in expansions of the equations of General Relativity in powers of v/c (post-Newtonian approximations) have long been a source of analogies with em theory. A classic textbook example is the steadily spinning sphere generating a constant dipole gravitomagnetic field, with its associated vector potential B^* ₀ = × (analog of the magnetic field B of a spinning charged sphere). In the nonsteady case there are associated gravitoelectric fields E* = – _t – * also, where * is the gravitational Coulomb potential. The case of a rigid sphere spun up from rest by an external (nongravitational) torque at t = 0 is enlightening, as it demonstrates the generation of B* and E* wave fields propagating outward with the velocity of light c: for large t, B* B^* ₀. In a coordinate system for which the metric tensor is nearly equal to the Minkowski tensor, the three-vector potential obeys an equation isomorphic to the electrodynamic equation, that is, ² = –*j* with j* = –v, where is the mass density, v the three-velocity, and * = 16Gc^–2 = 3.7 × 10^–26 mksu, G being the gravitational constant. Significantly, one can construct a gauge invariant four-vector potential F* = (ic^–14*, ), obeying field equations isomorphic to Maxwell's in the Lorentz gauge F _, = 0. The traveling transient dipole field exerts torques on matter in its path, setting up shear strains that may be measurable for very large momentum transfers, for example, between massive astronomical bodies. A rough calculation suggests that such strains are in principle observable.     

Differential calculus on quantum spheres

Three-dimensional differential calculus on quantum spheres S _infc ^sup2 ,]–1, 1[{0}, c[0, ], is introduced and investigated. Spectra of generalized Laplacians are found. These operators are expressed by generalized directional derivatives. Classical limits of these objects are obtained and a simple approach to quantum mechanics on a quantum sphere is presented.     

Stability of nonstationary states of classical,many-body dynamical systems

We summarize recent arguments which show that for a broad class of classical, many-body dynamical model systems with short-range interactions (such as coupled maps, cellular automata, or partial differential equations), collectively chaotic states—nonstationary states wherein some Fourier amplitude varies chaotically in time—cannot occur generically. While chaos occurs ubiquitously on alocal level in such systems, the macroscopic state of the system typically remains periodic or stationary. This implies that the dimensionD of chaotic (strange) attractors must diverge with the linear sizeL of the system likeD(L/C)^d ind space dimensions, where (<) is the spatial coherence length. We also summarize recent work which demonstrates that in spatially isotropic systems that have short-range interactions and evolve (like coupled maps) in discrete time, periodic states are never stable under generic conditions. In spatially anisotropic systems, however, short-range interactions that exploit the anisotropy and so allow for the stabilization of periodic states do exist.     

Heat-pulse induced energy transfer in ruby

It is shown that heat pulses, generated by current pulses in thin metal films, may be a powerful tool in the investigation of energy transfer dynamics in solids. Application to ruby shows clearly that the energy transfer from the single ions to the pairs is limited by the energy diffusion in the single ion system contrary to prior ideas. The time constants for the single ion—single ion energy migration and for the transfer from a single ion to a nearby pair could be estimated to be 250µs and 4µs, respectively, for 1.35% doped ruby.Project of the Sonderforschungsbereich 65, Frankfurt-Darmstadt, supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

Relative coarse-graining

The problem of statistical inference based on a partial measurement (coarse-graining) requires the specification of an a priori distribution. We reformulate the ordinary theory such as to encompass systematically a wide range of a priori distributions (relative coarse-graining). This is done in a mathematical setting which admits an interpretation in both classical probability and quantum mechanics. The formalism is illustrated in a few simple examples, such as the die whose geometrical shape is known, the spin in thermal equilibrium with an unknown reservoir, and the position measurement of a one-dimensional particle. It is shown that some of the limitations of the usual theory are a consequence of the fact that it is restricted to equidistributed (symmetric) a priori states.     

Time reversal in classical and quantum mechanics

A review of Wigner's time reversal is presented and some important aspects are emphasized. The subject is introduced via classical mechanics. Non-physical statements as time running backwards are avoided. Comments are made on the roles of time and of the operatori(/t) in quantum mechanics. The role of symmetries and conservation laws and some properties of the time-reversed states are discussed.Work supported by Instituto Nacional de Investigação Científica, Portugal.     

Some critical exponent inequalities for percolation

For a large class of independent (site or bond, short- or long-range) percolation models, we show the following: (1) If the percolation densityP (p) is discontinuous atp _c , then the critical exponent (defined by the divergence of expected cluster size, nP _n (p) (P _c –P)^– asp p _c ) must satisfy 2. (2) or (defined analogously to, but asp p _c ) and [P _n (p _c ) (n ^–1–1/) asn ] must satisfy, 2(1 – 1/). These inequalities for improve the previously known bound 1(Aizenman and Newman), since 2 (Aizenman and Barsky). Additionally, result 1may be useful, in standardd-dimensional percolation, for proving rigorously (ind>2) that, as expected,P _x has no discontinuity atp _c .     

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.     

Towards slow μ− production via muon catalyzed fusion

Slow ^– production via dd-CF using a two-layer arrangement is investigated. To determine its feasibility, experimental measurements are now in progress using the muonic X-ray detection method. The following experimental steps are being considered: (1) measurement of the number of ^– stopped inside a solid H₂/D₂ layer by detecting p K X-rays, (2) hot d emission detection by placing a secondary target at a distance of 10–30 mm from the layer and by detecting specific delayed X-rays, (3) measurement of the disappearance of d emission as the added D₂ layer is increased, (4) dd-CF measurement by detecting fusion protons, and (5) slow ^– emission detection. Results of the initial test experiment are presented.     

Transquantum Dynamics

Segal proposed transquantum commutation relations with two transquantum constants , besides Planck's quantum constant and with a variable i. The Heisenberg quantum algebra is a contraction—in a more general sense than that of Inönü and Wigner—of the Segal transquantum algebra. The usual constant i arises as a vacuum order-parameter in the quantum limit ,0. One physical consequence is a discrete spectrum for canonical variables and space-time coordinates. Another is an interconversion of time and energy accompanying space-time meltdown (disorder), with a fundamental conversion factor of some kilograms of energy per second.     

Exponential decay near resonance,without analyticity

We consider a quantum mechanical model which displays the behaviour associated with having a resonance or metastable state. The Hamiltonian depends on a parameter . When =0, there is an eigenstate ₀; when 0, ₀ dissolves into the continuous spectrum, showing approximate exponential decay. We prove this result without using dilatation analyticity. The model describes a two-state atom coupled to the quantized radiation field. The state space of the field is truncated, so that only the vacuum and one-photon states are included.This work was partially supported by NSF Grant DMS-8922941     

Dislocation centers in α-martensite formation and dual couplings of thinly-laminated martensite crystals

The spectrum of observable dual couplings of crystals of thinly-laminated martensite with habiti {3 15 10} is discussed within the framework of the concept of the dislocation formation of -martensite crystals. A spectrum of dislocation centers of formation arising together with the developing martensite crystal is proposed. Here it is essential to divide the arising dislocation centers of formation into two groups associated with different displacement mechanisms. This difference permits understanding of the difference in the frequency of observation of couplings and the introduction of the concept of a comb structure — a set of secondary parallel crystals of martensite, associated with the same initial crystal.Urals Forestry Institute. Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 6, pp. 64–67, June, 1994.     

Quantum measurement and algebraic quantum field theories

It is shown that the physics and semantics of quantum measurement provide a natural interpretation of the weak neighborhoods of the states on observable algebras without invoking any idea of a reading error or a measured range. Then the state preparation process in quantum measurement theory is shown to give the normal (or locally normal) states on the observable algebra. Some remarks are made concerning the physical implications of normal states for systems with an infinite number of degrees of freedom, including questions on open and closed algebraic theories.Work supported in part by the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission.     

Information theory and the problem of molecular structure

Recently it has been shown that the classical stick and ball viewpoint of molecules is inconsistent with quantum theory (QT). We suggest an unusual reconciliation: The QT state is not a physical property, but instead reflects our state of knowledge about observable aspects of reality. We show how this perspective is nevertheless objective. Applied to molecules, the view permits structure to exist only when observable evidence is compatible with this feature. Typically one must replace the a priori model (in particular, the dynamical generator) with one consistent with the evidence. We show that such structure is stable in the context of first-order perturbation theory. We also indicate how dynamics can be inferred from scattering data—a process alternative to postulating (field-theoretic) models for environment.     

The motion of 90° wedge domains in BaTiO3 in an alternating electric field

The paper deals with the motion of 90° wedge domains in BaTiO₃ in an alternating field of 50 c/s. The critical field, the positional hysteresis loops with double asymmetry, the production of wedges with polarization perpendicular to the field and 180° substructure in the wedges were studied. The differences between the behaviour of the wedges and the individual 90° walls are pointed out which are caused by differences in the energy balance of these formations and by different interactions with 180° processes. The upper limit of contribution of the wedge motion to the initial permittivity is estimated. The results are discussed from the phenomenological point of view.

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90° BaTiO₃

90° BaTiO₃ , 50 Hz. , , , , , , 180° . 90° , 180° . , . .

     

On the relative entropy

ForA any subset of () (the bounded operators on a Hilbert space) containing the unit, and and restrictions of states on () toA, ent _A (|)—the entropy of relative to given the information inA—is defined and given an axiomatic characterisation. It is compared with ent _A ^A (|)—the relative entropy introduced by Umegaki and generalised by various authors—which is defined only forA an algebra. It is proved that ent and ent ^S agree on pairs of normal states on an injective von Neumann algebra. It is also proved that ent always has all the most important properties known for ent ^S : monotonicity, concavity,w* upper semicontinuity, etc.     

ТЕМПЕРАТУРНАЯ ЗАВИС ИМОСТЬ ТЕРМОЭЛЕКТРОДВИЖУЩ ЕЙ СИЛЫ СЕРОГО ОЛОВА С ПРИМЕСЯМИ КАДМИЯ

- , - —183 —10 °.     

Percolation cluster sizes and perimeters in three dimensions

From exact perimeter polynomials of Sykes et al ind=3 dimensions we determine the average perimeter s _n of clusters, the width of the distribution about the average value, and the numberc _n of clusters containingn occupied sites each. The exponent, defined through log (c _n ) —n for largen, is found to be consistent with the predictions (p < p _c ) = 1 and (p>p _c )=(d—1)/d.