Quantum theory of state reduction and measurementFujiwara, Izuru
doi: 10.1007/BF00708495pmid: N/A
The central problem in the quantum theory of measurement, how to describe the process of state reduction in terms of the quantum mechanical formalism, is solved on the basis of the relativity of quantal states, which implies that once the apparatus is detected in a well-defined state, the object state must reduce to a corresponding one. This is a process termed by Schrödinger disentanglement. Here, it is essential to observe that Renninger's negative result does constitute an actual measurement process. From this point of view, Heisenberg's interpretation of his microscope experiment and the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen arguments are reinvestigated. Satisfactory discussions are given to various experimental situations, such as the Stern-Gerlach-type experiment, successive measurements, macroscopic measurements, and Schrödinger's cat. Finally it is proposed to regard a state vector in quantum mechanics as an irreducible physical construct, in Margenau's sense, that is not further analyzable both mathematically and conceptually.
Noncollinearity of velocity and momentum of spinning particlesCosta de Beauregard, Olivier
doi: 10.1007/BF00708496pmid: N/A
A theoretical and experimental search for the so-called Weyssenhof behavior of a spinning particle, due to the noncollinearity of its velocity and momentum, has been undertaken. Z-independent solutions of Maxwell's equations had previously been produced with a nonzeros
z component of the Poynting vector; indeed, Imbert emphasized that the spatial exponential damping of Fresnel's evanescent wave would entail a nonzero value for the integral ε εs
z dx dy. Excellent experimental verifications of this point have been obtained by Imbert. Besides having noz component of their momentum, the energy-momentum quanta inside Fresnel's evanescent wave have typical tachyon properties, the imaginary character of theiry component (normal to the reflecting surface) entailing that (in units such thatc=1) theirx component islarger than the energy quanta. Imbert is now planning experiments to test these interesting properties. Thus, the two main aspects of noncollinearity of velocity and momentum of spinning particles would be displayed.
Mind, matter, and physicistsFreundlich, Yehudah
doi: 10.1007/BF00708497pmid: N/A
Some aspects of the problem of measurement in quantum theory are treated. We stress that the problem is both physical and conceptual, that the physical problem has been solved and the conceptual one is inherent in quantum theory. We also deal with some remarks made by Wigner concerning physics and the explanation of life, and present alternative positions on the mind-matter relationship within a deterministic framework, as we see them.
A kinematical model for quarks and hadronsBiedenharn, L.; Cusson, R.; Han, M.; Louck, J.
doi: 10.1007/BF00708498pmid: N/A
Starting from simple topological arguments due to Dirac on the classical rotational properties of extended rigid bodies, we abstract the concept of a finite-size spinor (FSS). The FSS is a concept distinct from both point spinors (e.g., electrons) and composite spinors (e.g., nuclei), and suggests a new model for baryons. The FSS offers a natural explanation of “threeness” for the quarks, excludes the existence of free quarks, denies the operational definition of quark spin statistics, and, moreover, leads to the dual model of hadronic interactions.
Concepts of stability and symmetry in irreversible thermodynamics. ILavenda, B.
doi: 10.1007/BF00708499pmid: N/A
Concepts of stability and symmetry in irreversible thermodynamics are developed through the analysis of system energy flows. The excess power function, derived from a local energy conservation equation, is shown to yield necessary and sufficient stability criteria for linear and nonlinear irreversible processes. In the absence of symmetry-destroying external forces, the linear range may be characterized by a set of phenomenological coefficient symmetries relating coupled forces and displacements, velocities, and accelerations, whereas rotational phenomena in nonlinear processes may be characterized by skew-symmetric components of the phenomenological coefficients. A physical interpretation of the nature of the skew-symmetric parts is given and the variational principle of minimum dissipation of energy is related to a stability criterion.
Some properties of an “aesthetic” field theoryMuraskin, M.
doi: 10.1007/BF00708500pmid: N/A
We continue our study of the Lorentz-invariant field theory based on the equations Γ
jk;l
i
=0 and gij;k=0. To first order in a perturbation expansion, we find Γ
jk;l
i
=0 reduces to the wave equation. In orders higher than the first, we find that Γ
jk;l
i
=0 cannot be linearized. We also find that the simple wave-type equation gij∂2g/∂xi∂xj=0 is contained in the theory when an appropriate choice is made for the parameters at the origin point.
Measurability analysis of the electric-type components of the linearized gravitational radiation fieldSmith, Gerrit
doi: 10.1007/BF00708501pmid: N/A
The equivalence principle as well as the spin-two character of the weak gravitational field lead to difficulties in the measurability analysis of this field which are not encountered in Bohr and Rosenfeld's corresponding inquiry into the electromagnetic field. To meet these difficulties, atomic elastic structures are proposed as gravitational field detectors whose parameters (masses, total volumes, lattice and elastic constants) are adjustable. The limitations imposed by the uncertainty principle and by the radiation reaction of the detectors on the determination of the amplitude, frequency, and direction of the field are then exhibited. Finally, the relevance of the present work to the investigation of DeWitt and to Einstein's full theory of gravitation is briefly considered.