Frontiers of Physics - My Thoughts
Welcome to Relativistic Quantum Reality : Virtually Real
worlds made up of Complex Particles
Back to John's Virtual Sci-Tech Universe
*4-Vectors*
*QM from SR*
Note: This is a work in progress...if you notice errors, please let me know
-email John
The following are important concepts at the frontiers of physics, relating
primarily to the measurement problem in QM.
Aharanov-Bohm (AB) Effect: QM effect which shows that EM potentials,
rather than EM fields, are the fundamental quantities, by demonstrating that
particles in a region of zero magnetic field but non-zero potential can have
their trajectories altered. The EM fields are derived from the EM
potentials
Aharnov-Casher (AC) Effect: Minkowski rotated version of the AB Effect.
The particles move through a region of zero electric field but non-zero
potential. Again, the trajectories are altered in a fundamentally quantum
way.
Bell's Theorem: Statement regarding the mutual exclusivity of QM and
locality. Almost all experiments to date, and all modern experiments, show
that QM is correct.
Berry's Phase:
Complementarity:
Diffraction: Effect responsible for the bending of trajectories around
edges, slits, particles, etc.
Duality: Idea that only one aspect of a quantum, either the particle
property, or the wave property, but not both may be observed at a given
time.
Electromagnetic(EM):
Entanglement: When two of more particles become "phase locked", their
correlations during measurement can exceed the amount allowed by locality.
EPR Paradox: Einstein's attempt to show that QM is incomplete. Idea
is to make complementary measurements on an entangled system, showing that
more information than is allowed by QM is obtainable and that therefore there
must be a deeper theory.
Gauge Invariance: Historical name for what is better described as
phase invariance. The idea that the structure of the theory is invariant
under certain types of transformations. There are two types, global and local
gauge invariance. Global gauge invariance says that a state vector can be
multiplied by a constant phase factor everywhere in spacetime without affecting
physical results.Psi(t,x)=e-ia
Psi(t,x). Local gauge invariance says that a state
vector can be multiplied by a phase factor which varies from point to point
without affecting physical results.
Psi(t,x)=e-ia(t,x)Psi(t,x).
Gauge Transformation: Historical name for what is better described
as a phase transformation.
Gravity-Induced Quantum Interference: A table-top experiment using
monoenergetic thermal neutrons in a vertical interferometry experiment. One
beam travels along a higher gravitational potential, which changes the phase
difference in the standard QM way, providing the usual interference pattern.
The experiment, which is purely quantum mechanical, also shows that gravity
is not purely geometric at the quantum level because the effect depends on
(m/hbar)2. See Sakurai, pp.126-129.
Hidden Variables:
Interference:
Laser:
Locality: Idea that space-like seperated events should not affect
the outcome of a measurement.
Macroscopic Quantum Effect: Effects which are visible on the human
scale but cannot be described using classical physics. Exhibited by large
scale correlations/cooperation of particles. Examples include lasers
(monochromatic photons moving in phase), superconductivity (electrons moving
in phase and without electrical resistance), and superfluidity (bosons moving
in phase and without viscous resistance).
Measurement Problem: QM only makes probablistic predictions about
the outcome of events, when we know from experience that discrete individual
events are what we measure. Also known as the collapse of the wavefunction
problem. How can a random choice outcome enter into the deterministic Dirac
equation?
Non-Demolition Measurement: An ideal measurement which does not cause
the destruction of the quantum state being measured. Can only occur in very
special types of situations. Related to the Quantum Zeno effect.
Particle:A spacetime event (location-time) which carries information
(mass, charge, phase, polariztion, etc.)
Phase: The complex mathematical component of a state vector which
gives rise to diffraction/interference effects. The overall phase is considered
to be a trivial factor which plays no role in physics, although I believe
this to be incorrect.
Potential: A quantity which describes the statistical forces acting
on particles.
Quantum Mechanics(QM): The theory of nature which describes essentially
almost all known physical phenomena, especially very small systems (i.e.
few particles). It can be shown that classical mechanics is a limiting case
approximation for large systems (i.e. large numbers of particles).
Scattering:
Superconductivity:
Superfluidity:
Special Relativity(SR): Theory of spacetime based on two assumptions.
The laws of physics must have the same form for all inertial observers and
the speed of light is a constant for all inertial observers.
Teleportation:
Tunneling: The ability of quantum particles to enter regions that
would be forbidden classically, such as when the potential energy necessary
to enter a region is greater than the kinetic energy of a particle. I don't
really see a problem with this, since every thing is just particles anyway.
There is no such thing as an impenatrable barrier.
Uncertainty Priciple: The amount of uncertainty in a first measurement,
multiplied by the amount of uncertainty in a sequential measurement of a
complementary variable, must be greater than a certain amount. Also, the
measurement of a property of a system known to be in an eigenstate of a
complementary property involves at minimum a single quantum, which is enough
to disturb the eigenstate.
Wave: An observable correlation in measurement outcomes.
The following are revolutions in physics, where long held concepts had
to be modified to incorporate new experiences. These changes in thought have
been proven necessary by experiement.
*Quantum Mechanics is the more comprehensive physical theory, with classical
mechanics a limiting case approximation for large scale systems*
Quantum theory is able to explain a much broader range of physical phenomena,
and with more detail, than classical mechanics. Does this mean that classical
mechanics is wrong? No, it just means classical mechanics is an approximation,
valid in a limited set of physical phenomena. Quantum mechanics must give
the same results within the valid region. It can be shown that classical
mechanics is a limiting case of quantum mechanics, and a good approximation
for large scale systems, in which the wave-like characteristics of individual
particles are not important.
*Relativistic Mechanics is the more comprehensive physical theory, with
classical mechanics a limiting case approximation for slow-moving
systems*
Relativity is able to explain and give reasons for some intimate connections
of physical properties that classical mechanics does not address, such as
the connection between mass and energy. Also, it became necessary when classical
mechanics failed to give correct results for particles moving at a significant
percentage of light-speed. Classical mechanics is again shown to be a limiting
case of relativity, and a good approximation for velocities much less than
the speed of light (v<<c).
*Potentials are real, Fields are derived*
Almost every physics book (except the few enlightened ones) will say with
regard to EM measurements that EM fields are the "only observable quantities",
and therefore they are the "real" physical observables, with the EM potentials
being only a mathematical construct. However, the Aharanov-Bohm experiment
shows that the potentials can have an observable effect, even though the
fields are zero. Potentials should be considered the "real" physical quantities.
"Aharanov-Bohm experiement The Aharanov-Bohm effect is quantum mechanical
in essence, since it involves Planck's constant h...the experimental results
were in excellent agreement with theory. Despite the fact that there was
noB, and consequently no force, acting on the electron beams when
the solenoid (or whisker) was added, there was a physical displacement of
the electron distribution in space. This was caused by the nonvanishing vector
potentialA, which existed in the region external to the solenoid (or
whisker). The conclusion must then be reached thatA is not just a
mathematical aid in calculatingB it is a real field, with the possibility
of producing physical effects even in a region where there is noB.
The fact thatA is not unique, for a givenB, but may be modified
by adding a gradient of an arbitrary function does not alter this conclusion."
pp517-520,The Electromagnetic Field, Albert Shadowitz
The following are my beliefs, which I hope to someday prove...
The Overall Phase of a Quantum Wave isNontrivial, (This is my doctoral
thesis)
Almost every physics book will say that the overall phase factor of a quantum
wave is "trivial". A few give arguments that this is based on guage symmetries,
where others simply show that the overall phase gets "complex conjugated"
away in the probability calculation. It is my belief that this argument is
flawed. I believe that the overall phases are in fact the extra information
in a quantum system that determine the outcome of an individual measurement.
Reasoning is as follows: An "unobserved" system time evolves deterministically
according to the Dirac equation. An "observed" system time evolves in a such
a way that a discrete choice is made by something
(Observer/Nature/God/Particle/whatever). Normally, this is attributed to
pure chance. However, any "observed" system is actually just a subset of
a larger "unobserved" system that is time evolving deterministically. Thus,
the apparently random "discrete choice" is actually determined by something
in the larger picture. For decades, many physicists have looked for hidden
variables to explain this, mostly without success. Again, I believe that
the non-trivial overall phases are the important factor. If so, then they
are not ruled out by most of the arguments against hidden variables. The
overall phases could act in such a way that they don't alter the probabilities
of various results, but could be the selection factor that actually picks
one result out from the many. The phase is a relativisitic invariant, a major
plus for this argument. It also has built-in the description for moving through
spacetime (phi =K·R = wt-k·r). Consider
a pair of entangled particles (one spin-up, the other spin-down) moving in
opposite directions. There relative phases remain locked unless they move
through different potentials, which would alter there phase relations, and
I think, their correlations.
The Uncertainty Principle does not make a statement about simultaneous
measurements
There is nothing in QM that says anything about simultaneous measurements.
The structure of the principle shows that it applies to sequential measurements.
Thus, the measurement of the first observable places the system in a state
such that the subsequent measurement on the complementary observable lies
within a range of values, with the product of the two uncertainties being
greater than a certain constant.
All measurements are in actuality the detection and counting of individual
spacetime events
Geiger counters are the prime example, counting individual events. A single
photon can be detected by measuring the photo-current it produces. Anything
connected to an electric circuit ultimately shows up as a count of the number
of electrons passing a given point at a given time. The trick, of course,
is to arrange the physical system in such a way that the correlations between
these events tells you some more information about the system. Other infered
properties could include: frequency, wavelength, polarization, phase, charge,
mass, energy, momentum, hypercharge, etc.
Particles are spacetime events which carry information
The simplest explanation for the things that we observe are particles. Particles
are localized entities which exist as events (i.e. they have definite location
in space and time) and carry information. The information are the particles
properties, such as mass, energy, momentum, spin, frequency, phase, polarization,
charge, etc.
Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory are statistical theories
QM is one of the most fantastically sucessful theories ever found. However,
it only predicts the probabilities for various outcomes. We know from experience
that the outcomes are discrete individual events. QM is unable to give us
answers, for instance, when we ask where will a given photon land. QM only
predicts the probabilities. I think that if QM were a complete theory, we
would not even be able to ask the question.
The EPR Paradox is resolvable in terms of overall phase
correlations
Particles are actual physical events, Waves are the apparent correlations
resulting from particle detection and counting
more to come...
Some thoughts:
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:
It might take a while, but it's coming... It's all a matter of numbers, like
10^23.
American Association for Artificial
Intelligence
ARTIFICIAL LIFE:
It's already here. The question is, when will it protest when we are about
to turn the power off?
Artificial Life Online
Tierra: Artificial
Life
COLD FUSION:
It might not be fusion, but something is going on here...it's worth
investigation.
Infinite Energy Online - Cold
Fusion
Physics
Around the World: Cold Fusion
CLONING:
Less paranoia, more research, the seeds of incredible medical technology
are here. Besides, the scary stuff is not this, it's genetic engineering.
However, even that should be researched. To anyone who can see no value in
human cloning, consider the following: Individual organs grown in solution,
which could be used to replace any that fail in your body. Why cloning and
not transplants - no immune system rejection, no donors necessary.
CREATION:
In mathematics, the question arises: Is new mathematics discovered, is it
invented by people, is it created from nothing, or from existing math? The
process of creation is not an arbitrary enterprise. I propose that mathematics
exists independently of people and thought. Discovery is just the process
of finding arrangements of matter or concept that have not been previously
noticed. Invention is just the process of making rearrangements of matter
or concept that have not been previously noticed. Only valid/logical/physical
arrangements and rearrangements are allowed by nature. Thus, all creations
are really just discoveries or inventions, which are just new arrangements
of matter or concept.
DISCOVERY & EXPLORATION:
The Universe is a wondrous place full of mystery, waiting to be discovered
and explored.
Hubble Space Telescope
Pics
IBM STM Pics
NASA JPL Pics
Space Image Libraries
To find the path, you must but open your eyes...but a goodSearch
Engine can help!
EPR PARADOX
All paradoxes are ultimately explainable. A paradox is an situation which
seems to be illogical based on the assumptions of the examiner. However,
all paradoxes may be resolved by examining not the situation but the assumptions.
One or more of them are usually mutally incompatible. In the EPR case, the
assumptions would be the fundamental ideas behind both the Relativity and
Quantum Theories and the situation would seem to be their mutual
incompatibilities concerning entangled states. Personally, I do not believe
that Quantum is the complete theory. Here is more info on the EPR Paradox.
David Elm's Home Page
Mountain Math Software
Tim Roberts
Quantum Physics and EPR links
EVOLUTION
It's real, but hard to observe over human lifetimes. See the section on artifical
life for evolution occuring in a laboratory setting.
Tierra: Artificial
Life
FORMS of CARBON(a very versatile element):
0-D Single Atoms
1-D Simple Molecules(CO2, etc.), Linear Chains(sing,doub,trip bonded propane,
etc.)
2-D Rings(benzene, etc.), Branched Chains, Sheets(graphite)
3-D Solid Crystal(diamond), Bucky Balls(spheres), Bucky Tubes(cylinders),
Bucky Doughnuts(tori)
4-D ??
All of the basic geometric shapes are here, and these will be used as the
building blocks of nano-technology.
Richard E. Smalley - Discoverer
of Bucky Balls
GOALS:
Perfection of Mind, Body, Spirit.
GOOD ADVICE:
Don't Panic. Think.
HAPKIDO - Martial Arts:
The way of harmonious/coordinated energy/power. The best way to win a fight
is to avoid it.
also included, The art of making one's opponent wish that they had avoided
it... -)
American Hapkido
Association
Jude's Hapkido Page
Shin Koo Hapkido
United States Korean Martial Arts
Federation
Yong Sung Lee Hapkido Studios
LEARNING:
Knowledge is Power, Wisdom is Responsibility. You should have equal measures
of both. SocratesAn unexamined life is not worth living.
LEVELS of LIFE DESCRIPTION in NATURE:
Physics(quantum)->Chemistry(molecular)->Genetics->Biology->Psychology/Sociology->Philosophy/Ethics
LEVELS of LIFE STRUCTURE in NATURE:
Quarks+Leptons->Nuclei->Atoms->Molecules->Proteins,Enzymes,DNA->Organelles->Cells->Fibers->Organs->Organisms->Ecologies/Societies->?
LIFE:
Anything that uses a genetic code (ex. molecular-DNA, symbolic-Computer GA
AL's) to store the information necessary to recreate itself. This would of
course also include the instructions for building the proteins, enzymes,
etc. (program code) necessary for the life functions/metabolism of the organism.
Viruses and AL creatures are therefore living creatures as well. The only
essential difference is the environment. AL creatures currently only exist
within a computer operating system. However, more and more the silicon life
is getting mobile in the form of robotics. At that point, can you really
say that their environment is not the same as ours? What will be interesting
is when the non-DNA based natural life is found, or when man-made artificial
life becomes intelligent.
NANOTECHNOLOGY:
Control of nature at the molecular level - possible physical immortality
- definitely incredible medical technology. We are currently at the MicroTech
level.
Foresight Institute
NAS:
NanoTech
PANTHEISM+DETERMINISM:
God=Universe=Laws of Nature - Science is the study of these. This belief
system has a lot of advantages over the traditional organized religions.
Religion:
Pantheism
QUANTUM PHYSICS:
It's a great approximation, but it is still only a statistical theory. There
are still deeper layers of description tobe found. In any case, something
has to give both relativity and quantum mechanics as appropriate limits.
Hints for everyone: quantum measurements ultimately boil down to the detection
and magnification of single space-time events. These events are caused by
particle interaction. The wave aspect of QT is based on the probabilities
of events occurring over a specified spatial and temporal region. All wave
phenomena (interference, diffraction, etc.) is simply the result of particle
scattering. Tunneling: everything is just particles, there is no such thing
as an impenetrable barrier which is magically tunneled though. Tunneling
simply involves fewer particle interactions as the test particle moves through
the region. Quantum Physics doesn't have to be strange if you think about
it in the right way.
RELIGION:
Everyone has a belief system of one kind or another that helps them organize
the amazing array of facts surrounding them. Seek Truth and Avoid Falsity.
SCIENCE:
The religion with built-in error checking, verifiable and accurate predictions,
the ability to incorporate new experiences, that anyone can do if they just
use their brain. Anything is possible, but doubt everything first. This will
help you to seek truth and avoid falsity.
SENTIENCE:
The ability to ask How? and Why?. Happens when enough atoms get together
and contemplate about the universe and themselves.
SURVIVAL:
The ultimate underlying goal of all living things. Improvise, adapt, overcome.
That which does not kill us makes us stronger. Darwin is correct.
Evolution has been proven in both natural and man-made environments. See
the AL section.
Philosophy - or, the Way It Is (at least, as I see it...)
Fundamentally, we (life, the universe, and everything) are the synergistic
expression of large number of quantum interactions. I believe that these
interactions are completely deterministic. However, be they deterministic
or random, they completely determine the fate of large scale systems (like
people). So, ultimately, we are robots composed of quantum legos. This is
also known philosophically as hard determinism.
However, before we take it too far and hit fatalism, let's examine a few
things. The synergy of large numbers provides an interesting phenomenon -
consciousness. We have the perception of self-identity, free will, abstract
thought, etc. This gives us lots of wonderful, beautiful things to discover,
but it brings a price - morals, ethics, values.