On the Role of Density Matrices in Bohmian Mechanics

It is well known that density matrices can be used in quantum mechanics to represent the information available to an observer about either a system with a random wave function (statistical mixture) or a system that is entangled with another system (reduced density matrix). We point out another role, previously unnoticed in the literature, that a density matrix can play: it can be the conditional density matrix, conditional on the configuration of the environment. A precise definition can be given in the context of Bohmian mechanics, whereas orthodox quantum mechanics is too vague to allow a sharp definition, except perhaps in special cases. In contrast to statistical and reduced density matrices, forming the conditional density matrix involves no averaging. In Bohmian mechanics with spin, the conditional density matrix replaces the notion of conditional wave function, as the object with the same dynamical significance as the wave function of a Bohmian system.PACS number:03.65.Ta (foundations of quantum mechanics)     

К КИНЕТИКЕ ФОТОПРОВОДИМОСТИ СЕ ЛЕНА

- 65 –150 °. 0,2 . - , .     

Origin of the magnetomechanical effect in an alternating field

The paper describes further experiments on the internal friction of nickel in an alternating magnetic field. It was found that the effect is not caused by macroscopic eddy currents but by microscopic eddy currents connected with changes in domain structure, which macroscopically have a reversible character and which appear both in the region of wall displacements and in the region of the rotation of magnetization vectors. The anelastic character of the effect is confirmed by measuring the dependence of the effect on the frequency of the field and on torsional oscillations; the relaxation time of the effect is determined by the circular frequency of the alternating magnetic field. The different aspects of the effect are discussed and a possible way of calculation is indicated.

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The autor wishes to express his gratitude to Dr. Wotruba, Dr. L. paek and others for valuable discussions.     

The 18-Fold Way

At least 18 nontrivial correct choices must be made to arrive at a right understanding of the world according to quantum theory.     

ТЕОРИЯ ДИФФУЗИИ „ЛОК АЛИЗОВАННЫХ“ ЭКСИТО НОВ В ТВЕРДЫХ ТЕЛАХ

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Uncertainties and an interpretation of nonrelativistic quantum theory

We propose an interpretation of nonrelativistic quantum theory which can be considered a generalized Copenhagen interpretation. The uncertainties (i.e., q and p) in Heisenberg's uncertainty relation q · p/2 can be characterized as (average) errors in an approximate simultaneous measurement if the interpretation proposed here is accepted in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. Under this interpretation, the (discrete) trajectory of a particle (like Wilson chamber) is significant enough. We propose to analyze this trajectory numerically.     

Some Thought-Experiments Involving Macrosystems as Illustrations of Various Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics

I consider various experiments related to the so-called macroscopic quantum coherence experiment, which are probably at present in the class of thought experiment but are likely to become realistic in the next few decades. I explore the way in which outcomes consistent with the predictions of quantum mechanics would be interpreted by an adherent of, respectively, the Copenhagen, statistical, and Bohmian interpretations of the formalism.     

Preparation and Measurement: Two Independent Sources of Uncertainty in Quantum Mechanics

In the Copenhagen interpretation the Heisenberg inequality QP/2 is interpreted as the mathematical expression of the concept of complementarity, quantifying the mutual disturbance necessarily taking place in a simultaneous or joint measurement of incompatible observables. This interpretation was criticized a long time ago and has recently been challenged in an experimental way. These criticisms can be substantiated by using the generalized formalism of positive operator-valued measures, from which an inequality, different from the Heisenberg inequality, can be derived, precisely illustrating the Copenhagen concept of complementarity. The different roles of preparation and measurement in creating uncertainty in quantum mechanics are discussed.     

Consistent histories and the interpretation of quantum mechanics

The usual formula for transition probabilities in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics is generalized to yield conditional probabilities for selected sequences of events at several different times, called consistent histories, through a criterion which ensures that, within limits which are explicitly defined within the formalism, classical rules for probabilities are satisfied. The interpretive scheme which results is applicable to closed (isolated) quantum systems, is explicitly independent of the sense of time (i.e., past and future can be interchanged), has no need for wave function collapse, makes no reference to processes of measurement (though it can be used to analyze such processes), and can be applied to sequences of microscopic or macroscopic events, or both, as long as the mathematical condition of consistency is satisfied. When applied to appropriate macroscopic events it appears to yield the same answers as other interpretative schemes for standard quantum mechanics, though from a different point of view which avoids the conceptual difficulties which are sometimes thought to require reference to conscious observers or classical apparatus.     

The puzzle ofKα bound state

Kaonic atom experiments suggest existence of a narrow nuclear¯K bound state and indicate blocking of¯K absorption. This blocking is explained in terms of ₀ resonance and interactions with the nuclear density gradient.Presented at the symposium Mesons and Light Nuclei, Bechyn, Czechoslovakia, May 27–June 1, 1985.     

THE ORIGIN OF ENTROPY IN THE UNIVERSE

We discuss the entropy generation in quantum tunneling of a relativistic particle under the influence of a time-varying force with the help of squeezing formalism. It is shown that if one associates classical coarse grained entropy to the phase space volume, there is an inevitable entropy growth due to the changes in position and momentum variances. The entropy change can be quantified by a simple expression S=ln cosh 2r, where r, is the squeeze parameter measuring the height and width of the potential barrier. We suggest that the universe could have acquired its initial entropy in a quantum squeeze from nothing and briefly discuss the implications of our proposal.     

μ +SR in solids — trends and expectations

Conventional ⁺SR studies are classified according to their relation with Solid State Physics, and an attempt is made to identify current trends in the field of ⁺SR in solids. Desirable trends and development in ⁺SR techniques are also discussed shortly. Rather than risk attempts at predicting the future [1] of ⁺SR in solids, it is perhaps prudent merely to identify trends in the field and let individual readers to extrapolate. We shall start with trends in the main stream conventional ⁺SR and then discuss some desirable technical development.     

An experiment to test an explanation of a possible violation of quantum theory

An experiment to test a possible explanation of the Schmidt backwards causation results is suggested. The experiment might distinguish between many- and one- world interpretations of quantum theory.     

The Reality in Bohmian Quantum Mechanics or Can You Kill with an Empty Wave Bullet?

Several situations, in which an empty wave causes an observable effect, are reviewed. They include an experiment showing surrealistic trajectories proposed by Englert et al. and protective measurement of the density of the quantum state. Conditions for observable effects due to empty waves are derived. The possibility (in spite of the existence of these examples) of minimalistic interpretation of Bohmian quantum mechanics in which only Bohmian positions supervene on our experience is discussed.     

Quantum formalism via signal analysis

The general properties of signals permit a nonaxiomatic reconstruction of the quantum probability formalism independent of the standard Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. Performance standards are specified for candidate clock, signaller, and reflector devices, and it is shown that the resulting formalism forces identification of a probability- or intensity-like structure as the absolute square of an amplitude, the relative phases of amplitudes appearing explicitly in the probability composition law. Inequalities are produced which on one interpretation reduce to the Heisenberg relations, but it is pointed out that this reconstruction disqualifies position as an observable property of a signal.     

Coherent quantum oscillation trajectories

We discuss coherent oscillations in the quantum potential view of quantum mechanics, giving examples for both a superposition of position states, and a superposition of momentum states.     

Fuzzy quantum logic II. The logics of unsharp quantum mechanics

A survey of the main results of the Italian group about the logics of unsharp quantum mechanics is presented. In particular partial ordered structures playing with respect to effect operators (linear bounded operatorsF on a Hilbert space such that, 0¦F²) the role played by orthomodular posets with respect to orthogonal projections (corresponding to sharp effects) are analyzed. These structures are generally characterized by the splitting of standard orthocomplementation on projectors into two nonusual orthocomplementations (afuzzy-like and anintuitionistic-like) giving rise to different kinds of Brouwer-Zadeh (BZ) posets: de Morgan BZ posets, BZ^* posets, and BZ³ posets. Physically relevant generalizations of ortho-pair semantics (paraconsistent, regular paraconsistent, and minimal quantum logics) are introduced and their relevance with respect to the logic of unsharp quantum mechanics are discussed.     

The classical limit of quantum partition functions

We extend Lieb's limit theorem [which asserts that SO(3) quantum spins approachS ² classical spins asL] to general compact Lie groups. We also discuss the classical limit for various continuum systems. To control the compact group case, we discuss coherent states built up from a maximal weight vector in an irreducible representation and we prove that every bounded operator is an integral of projections onto coherent vectors (i.e. every operator has diagonal form).Supported by USNSF Grant MCS-78-01885     

A microrealistic explanation of fundamental quantum phenomena

We abandon as redundant the assumption that there exists something more in the physical world than action quanta, which constitute the atoms of the events of which the four-dimensional world consists. We derive metric, energy, matter, etc., from action and the structure formed by the quanta. In the microworld thequantization of space so introduced implies deviations from conventional metrics that make it possible in particular to explain nonlocality. The uncertainty relations, then, in conjunction with the action-based metric, appear to play an essential role in making direct physical contact between emission and absorption events (i.e., retroactivity) possible, which concretely answers Bohr's conjecture that microprocesses constitute wholes. All of this appears to afford a realistic explanation of wave-particle duality, the EPR and other quantum paradoxes, the hidden variable problem, the collapse of wave packets, and the wave interference mechanism with the ¦ ¦² rule.