The introduction of Superluminal Lorentz transformations: A revisitation

We revisit the introduction of the Superluminal Lorentz transformations which carry from bradyonic inertial frames to tachyonic inertial frames, i.e., which transform time-like objects into space-like objects, andvice versa. It has long been known that special relativity can be extended to Superluminal observers only by increasing the number of dimensions of the space-time or—which is in a sense equivalent—by releasing the reality condition (i.e., introducing also imaginary quantities). In the past we always adopted the latter procedure. Here we show the connection between that procedure and the former one. In other words, in order to clarify the physical meaning of the imaginary units entering the classical theory of tachyons, we have temporarily to call into play anauxiliary six-dimensional space-time M(3, 3); however, we are eventually able to go back to the four-dimensional Minkowski space-time. We revisit the introduction of the Superluminal Lorentz transformations also under another aspect. In fact, the generalized Lorentz transformations had been previously written down in a form suited only for the simple case of collinear boosts (e.g., they formed a group just for collinear boosts). We express now the Superluminal Lorentz transformations in a more general form, so that they constitute a group together with the ordinary—orthochronousand antichronous—Lorentz transformations, and reduce to the previous form in the case of collinear boosts. Our approach introduces either real or imaginary quantities, with exclusion of (generic) complex quantities. In the present context, a procedure—in two steps—for interpreting the imaginary quantities is put forth and discussed. In the case of a chain of generalized Lorentz transformations, such a procedure (when necessary) is to be applied only at the end of the chain. Finally, we justify why we call transformations also the Superluminal ones.     

Topological and fractal properties of turbulent passive scalar fluctuations at small scales

Corrections of Batchelor's spectral law –1 of passive scalar-fluctuations are obtained by taking into account the topological instabilities of small-scale vortex sheets: –4/3 for supercritical and –5/4 for subcritical regimes. The corresponding fractal dimensions of the scalar interface areD =8/3 for supercritical andD =11/4 for subcritical regimes. Good agreement with experimental data is established.     

The Static Cylinder, Gyroscopes and the C-Metric

The physical meaning of the Levi-Civita spacetime, for some "critical" values of the parameter , is discussed in the light of gedanken experiments performed with gyroscopes circumscribing the axis of symmetry. The fact that = 1/2 corresponds to flat space described from the point of view of an accelerated frame of reference, led us to incorporate the C-metric into discussion. The interpretation of as an angle coordinate for any value of , appears to be the origin of difficulties.     

Radiation by relativistic dipoles. II

In a continuation of an earlier study, the electromagnetic fields of a point magnetic moment — a magneton — in uniform rectilinear motion, with a given spin precession, are analyzed. It is shown that the same equations can be found through Lorentz transformations from the corresponding expressions in the rest frame. The relationship between the electric and magnetic fieldsE andH radiated by a point magnetic dipole moment and a point electric dipole moment is derived through the use of dual transformations of the electromagnetic field tensor. It is assumed that each moment is in relativistic and otherwise arbitrary motion. In the relativistic case, as in the nonrelativistic case, the switch is accompanied by the replacementsHE, E-H. A covariant formalism is developed for describing the electromagnetic fields in the wave zone. The electromagnetic field tensor associated with the radiation is analyzed.V. V. Kuibyshev Tomsk State University. Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 3, pp. 73–78, March, 1993.     

Quantum Mechanics of the Supplementary Series

Unitary, irreducible representations of the proper, orthochronous Lorentz group comprise the main series and the supplementary series. The main series is spanned by the complete set of eigenstates of the self-adjoint Casimir operator C ₁=–(1/2)M M , where M are generators of Lorentz transformations. The supplementary series has no such interpretation; moreover it is spurious from the point of view of functional analysis as it does not enter into the integral representation of an arbitrary test function. The author describes the physical context within which the supplementary series arises, nevertheless, in a natural way: it arises if we exponentiate a massless scalar quantum field living in three-dimensional de Sitter space-time and if the appropriate coupling constant is small enough.     

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.     

Quasigroups Connected with Clifford Groups

In Clifford groups, a nonassociative product is defined which leads to the definition of nonassociative groups. These nonassociative groups have matrix representations on the condition that the row by column product of two matrices is replaced by the column by column product. A nonassociative group of transformations connected with the Lorentz group is determined, together with its irreducible, double-valued matrix representation, whose matrices undergo the column by column product.     

On the geometric origin of the equation ϕ,11 — ϕ,22 = eϕ — e-2ϕ

It is shown that the equation ,11 — ,22 = e — e^-2 determines the intrinsic geometry of the two-dimensional affine sphere in the three-dimensional unimodular affine space like the sine-Gordon equation describes the metric on the surface of a constant negative curvature in the three-dimensional Euclidean space. The linear equations that determine the moving frame on the affine sphere are the Lax operators to the equation ,11 — ,22 = e — e^-2.     

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.     

An Electromagnetic Trinity from “Negative Permittivity” and “Negative Permeability”

An electromagnetic trinity comprising vacuum, anti–vacuum, and nihility is postulated — after making use of materials with negative permittivity and negative permeability — to illuminate the structure of electromagnetic theory, at least insofar as the relationship of phase velocity with Poynting vector is concerned.     

Particle velocities faster than the speed of light

In connection with another article by the author, we show how it might be possible to travel faster than the speed of light. We show that for clocks and rods moving faster than the speed of light, we get instead of time dilation and Lorentz contraction, respectively, time contraction and Lorentz expansion, respectively. It is shown that this paper is in confirmation with earlier articles dealing with this subject.     

Lyapunov Modes of Two-Dimensional Many-Body Systems; Soft Disks, Hard Disks, and Rotors

The dynamical instability of many-body systems can best be characterized through the local Lyapunov spectrum {}, its associated eigenvectors {}, and the time-averaged spectrum {}. Each local Lyapunov exponent describes the degree of instability associated with a well-defined direction—given by the associated unit vector —in the full many-body phase space. For a variety of hard-particle systems it is by now well-established that several of the vectors, all with relatively-small values of the time-averaged exponent , correspond to quite well-defined long-wavelength modes. We investigate soft particles from the same viewpoint here, and find no convincing evidence for corresponding modes. The situation is similar—no firm evidence for modes—in a simple two-dimensional lattice-rotor model. We believe that these differences are related to the form of the time-averaged Lyapunov spectrum near =0.     

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.     

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.     

Quadratic lagrangians in a space with torsion and the theory of the spinor gauge field

The linear approximation of the theory of the spinor gauge field (TSGF), introduced in the localization of the group of tetrad Lorentz transformations, is discussed. In constructing the TSGF, use is made of the principle of correspondence with the tetrad theory of gravitation in a space of absolute parallelism. It is shown that the imposing of additional conditions of the Lorentz-Hilbert type in the linearized TSGF leads to a unique definition of the Lagrangian of the A-field, quadratic in the field intensity, of the form RR. which is usually postulated from considerations of simplicity and by analogy with other gauge fields. Two new identities in a space with torsion are proved.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 9, pp. 74–79, September, 1979.     

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.     

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.     

Stationary solutions of the bogoliubov hierarchy equations in classical statistical mechanics. 3

We continue the analysis of the conjugate equation for the generating function of a Gibbs random point field corresponding to a stationary solution of the classical BBGKY hierarchy. This equation was established and partially investigated in the preceding papers under the same title. In the present paper we reduce a general theorem about the form of solutions of the conjugate equation to a statement which relates to a special case where the interacting particles constitute a quasi—one dimensional configuration.     

Poincaré gauge invariant spinor theory and the gravitational field. II

The nonlinear equation for an abstract noncanonical 2-component Weyl spinor field — as used with the inclusion of internal symmetries in Heisenberg's nonlinear spinor theory of elementary particles — which is invariant under scale, phase, and Poincaré transformations is modified in such a way as to become invariant under spacetime dependent phase gauge and Poincaré gauge transformations. In such an equation a phase gauge field B _m , six Lorentz gauge fields A[]m and four translation gauge fields g_m have to be introduced. It is demonstrated that all these fields can be identified as certain combinations of the Weyl spinor field, and hence should be considered in a rough sense as bound states of this spinor field. In particular the electromagnetic field B_m and the gravitational field g m appear as S-states and P-states of a spinor-antispinor system. The noncanonical property and the operator character of the spinor field is essential for this result. The relation between the translation gauge field and the spinor field involves a fundamental length. In a classical geometrical interpretation this relation leads to Einstein's equation of gravitation without cosmological term in a Riemannian space without torsion if the fundamental length is identified with Planck's length. It is shown that this equation is covariant under the larger symmetry group of phase gauge and Poincaré gauge transformations. The modified nonlinear equation constructed solely from a single 2-component Weyl field hence seems to incorporate in an extremely compact way electromagnetic and gravitational interaction in addition to non-mass-zero interactions. In this equation no arbitrary dimensionless constants enter. The considerations can be generalized to Dirac spinor fields and to spinor fields involving additional interior degress of freedom.An abridged version of this paper was presented at the International Conference on Gravitation and Relativity, Copenhagen, July 1971.