Detectors, Reference Frames, and Time

Detectors, Reference Frames, and Time
Author: Alexander R. H. Smith
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 171
Release: 2019-07-03
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030110001

This thesis uses the tools of quantum information science to uncover fascinating new insights about the intersection of quantum theory and relativity. It is divided into three self-contained parts, the first of which employs detector models to investigate how the information content of quantum fields depends on spacetime curvature and global spacetime topology. The behavior of Unruh-DeWitt detectors on curved spacetimes are investigated, following which these detectors are used to probe the vacuum state of a scalar field in various topologies. This leads to a generalization of the entanglement harvesting protocol involving detectors in arbitrary curved spacetimes admitting a Wightman function. The second part extends the theory of quantum reference frames to those associated with noncompact groups. Motivated by the pursuit of a relational relativistic quantum theory where the group of reference frames is the Poincaré group, the author then generalizes a communication protocol between two parties lacking a common reference frame to the scenario where the group of transformations of their reference frame is a one-dimensional noncompact Lie group. Finally, the third part, inspired by theories of quantum gravity, generalizes the conditional probability interpretation of time, a proposed mechanism for time to emerge from a fundamentally timeless Universe. While the conditional probability interpretation of time is based upon conditioning a solution to the Wheeler-DeWitt equation on a subsystem of the universe that acts a clock, the author extends this approach to include an interaction between the system being used as a clock and a system whose evolution the clock is tracking.

Detectors, Reference Frames, and Time

Detectors, Reference Frames, and Time
Author: Alexander R. H. Smith
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2019
Genre: Physics
ISBN: 9783030110017

This thesis uses the tools of quantum information science to uncover fascinating new insights about the intersection of quantum theory and relativity. It is divided into three self-contained parts, the first of which employs detector models to investigate how the information content of quantum fields depends on spacetime curvature and global spacetime topology. The behavior of Unruh-DeWitt detectors on curved spacetimes are investigated, following which these detectors are used to probe the vacuum state of a scalar field in various topologies. This leads to a generalization of the entanglement harvesting protocol involving detectors in arbitrary curved spacetimes admitting a Wightman function. The second part extends the theory of quantum reference frames to those associated with noncompact groups. Motivated by the pursuit of a relational relativistic quantum theory where the group of reference frames is the Poincaré group, the author then generalizes a communication protocol between two parties lacking a common reference frame to the scenario where the group of transformations of their reference frame is a one-dimensional noncompact Lie group. Finally, the third part, inspired by theories of quantum gravity, generalizes the conditional probability interpretation of time, a proposed mechanism for time to emerge from a fundamentally timeless Universe. While the conditional probability interpretation of time is based upon conditioning a solution to the Wheeler-DeWitt equation on a subsystem of the universe that acts a clock, the author extends this approach to include an interaction between the system being used as a clock and a system whose evolution the clock is tracking.

Relativistic Physics in Arbitrary Reference Frames

Relativistic Physics in Arbitrary Reference Frames
Author: Nikolai V. Mitskievich
Publisher: Nova Publishers
Total Pages: 178
Release: 2006
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781594544255

The concept of reference frame was introduced in physics at an early stage when its formalisation had just begun and even before introduction of systems of co-ordinates and equations of motion; this concept continues to play a fundamental role in science ever since. In this book, the author considers mainly the problem of the description and further applications of reference frames in relativistic physics primarily using a general relativistic approach to them.

Observational Astrophysics

Observational Astrophysics
Author: Pierre Lena
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 519
Release: 2013-03-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3662036851

This second edition has been entirely restructured and almost doubled in size, in order to improve clarity and account for the great progress achieved in the field over the last 15 years. "This is not a handbook for observers. It is a broader reference for students, active researchers, and anyone who wants a detailed look at the tools of modern astronomy..." -PHYSICS TODAY

Contributions in Mathematical Physics

Contributions in Mathematical Physics
Author: S. Twareque Ali
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 234
Release: 2007-08-15
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 9386279339

Professor Gerard G. Emch has been one of the pioneers of the C-algebraic approach to quantum and classical statistical mechanics. In a prolific scientific career, spanning nearly five decades, Professor Emch has been one of the creative influences in the general area of mathematical physics. The present volume is a collection of tributes, from former students, colleagues and friends of Professor Emch, on the occasion of his 70th birthday. The articles featured here are a small yet representative sample of the breadth and reach of some of the ideas from mathematical physics.It is also a testimony to the impact that Professor Emch's work has had on several generations of mathematical physicists as well as to the diversity of mathematical methods used to understand them.

Core Principles of Special and General Relativity

Core Principles of Special and General Relativity
Author: James Luscombe
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 401
Release: 2018-12-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0429659539

This book provides an accessible, yet thorough, introduction to special and general relativity, crafted and class-tested over many years of teaching. Suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, this book provides clear descriptions of how to approach the mathematics and physics involved. It is also contains the latest exciting developments in the field, including dark energy, gravitational waves, and frame dragging. The table of contents has been carefully developed in consultation with a large number of instructors teaching courses worldwide, to ensure its wide applicability to modules on relativity and gravitation. Features: A clear, accessible writing style, presenting a sophisticated approach to the subject, that remains suitable for advanced undergraduate students and above Class-tested over many years To be accompanied by a partner volume on ‘Advanced Topics’ for students to further extend their learning

Quantum Optics, Experimental Gravity, and Measurement Theory

Quantum Optics, Experimental Gravity, and Measurement Theory
Author: Pierre Meystre
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 695
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1461337127

This volume contains the Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute "Quantum Optics and Experimental General Relativity" which was held in Bad Windsheim, Federal Republic of Germany, from August 16 to 29, 1981. At first glance, one might wonder why a meeting should cover these two topics, and a good bit of quantum measurement theory as well, all of which seem to be completely unrelated. The key to what one may call this grand unification lies in the effort, underway in a number of laboratories around the world, to detect gravitational radiation. Present research is pursuing the development of two types of detectors: laser interferometers and resonant bar detectors. Be cause the signals that one is trying to measure are so weak the quan tum mechanical nature of the detectors comes into play. The analy sis of the effects which result from this is facilitated by the use of techniques which have been developed in quantum optics over the years. This analysis also forces one to confront certain issues in the quantum theory of measurement. The laser interferometer detectors, using as they do light, are clearly within the realm of subjects usually considered by quantum optics. For example, the analysis of the noise present in such a de tector can make use of the many techniques which have been developed in quantum optics.

Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics

Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics
Author: Alessandro Bettini
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 561
Release: 2024-06-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 100944073X

This Open Access third edition reflects the progress of field as a first course in particle physics for undergraduate students.

Introduction to Dynamical Wave Function Collapse

Introduction to Dynamical Wave Function Collapse
Author: Philip Pearle
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 229
Release: 2024-01-15
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0198901380

Quantum theory (QT) is the best, most useful physics theory ever invented. For example, ubiquitous are cell phones, laser scanners, medical imagers, all inventions depending on QT. However, there is something deeply wrong with QT. It describes the probabilities of what happens, but it does not give a description of what actually happens. Most (but not all) physicists are not worried about this flaw, the probabilities are good enough for them. Other physicists, the author included, believe that is not good enough. The purpose of physics is to describe reality. To not do so is to abandon 'the great enterprise' (John Bell). This book shows one way to alter QT so that the new theory does describe what actually happens. This theory, created over three decades ago, has been called the 'Continuous Spontaneous Localization' (CSL) theory. Many experiments over this period have tested CSL, and so far it is neither confirmed nor refuted. This book shows how CSL works, and discusses its consequences. Ideal for academic students, graduates and practising scientists and physicists seeking a deeper understanding of the quantum realm, this book provides accessible explanations and sheds light on the interplay between probability and reality in the realm of quantum theory.