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The Quantum Enigma: Finding the Hidden Key
by Wolfgang SmithFollowing the overthrow of the classical world picture by the findings of quantum mechanics, physicists have proposed a broad gamut of alternative world views. This book begins with the major recognition that each of these suffers from a certain 'residual Cartesianism' that has been smuggled in unconsciously. It turns out that the moment one discards this hidden and problematic premise, quantum theory begins to 'make sense' in a way that it never has before. As the author shows, it is now possible, for the first time, to integrate the findings of quantum physics into a world view that is neither forced nor ad hoc, but conforms to the permanent intuitions of mankind. Surprisingly, this treatise can be read not only by scientists, but also by readers unacquainted with the technical conceptions of physics or the quantum-reality literature.
Quantum Entanglement (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series)
by Jed BrodyAn exploration of quantum entanglement and the ways in which it contradicts our everyday assumptions about the ultimate nature of reality.Quantum physics is notable for its brazen defiance of common sense. (Think of Schrödinger's Cat, famously both dead and alive.) An especially rigorous form of quantum contradiction occurs in experiments with entangled particles. Our common assumption is that objects have properties whether or not anyone is observing them, and the measurement of one can't affect the other. Quantum entanglement—called by Einstein “spooky action at a distance”—rejects this assumption, offering impeccable reasoning and irrefutable evidence of the opposite. Is quantum entanglement mystical, or just mystifying? In this volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, Jed Brody equips readers to decide for themselves. He explains how our commonsense assumptions impose constraints—from which entangled particles break free.Brody explores such concepts as local realism, Bell's inequality, polarization, time dilation, and special relativity. He introduces readers to imaginary physicists Alice and Bob and their photon analyses; points out that it's easier to reject falsehood than establish the truth; and reports that some physicists explain entanglement by arguing that we live in a cross-section of a higher-dimensional reality. He examines a variety of viewpoints held by physicists, including quantum decoherence, Niels Bohr's Copenhagen interpretation, genuine fortuitousness, and QBism. This relatively recent interpretation, an abbreviation of “quantum Bayesianism,” holds that there's no such thing as an absolutely accurate, objective probability “out there,” that quantum mechanical probabilities are subjective judgments, and there's no “action at a distance,” spooky or otherwise.
Quantum Entanglement in Electron Optics: Generation, Characterization, and Applications (Springer Series on Atomic, Optical, and Plasma Physics #67)
by Naresh Chandra Rama GhoshThis monograph forms an interdisciplinary study in atomic, molecular, and quantum information (QI) science. Here a reader will find that applications of the tools developed in QI provide new physical insights into electron optics as well as properties of atoms & molecules which, in turn, are useful in studying QI both at fundamental and applied levels. In particular, this book investigates entanglement properties of flying electronic qubits generated in some of the well known processes capable of taking place in an atom or a molecule following the absorption of a photon. Here, one can generate Coulombic or fine-structure entanglement of electronic qubits. The properties of these entanglements differ not only from each other, but also from those when spin of an inner-shell photoelectron is entangled with the polarization of the subsequent fluorescence. Spins of an outer-shell electron and of a residual photoion can have free or bound entanglement in a laboratory.
Quantum Entanglement in Electron Optics
by Rama Ghosh Naresh ChandraThis monograph forms an interdisciplinary study in atomic, molecular, and quantum information (QI) science. Here a reader will find that applications of the tools developed in QI provide new physical insights into electron optics as well as properties of atoms & molecules which, in turn, are useful in studying QI both at fundamental and applied levels. In particular, this book investigates entanglement properties of flying electronic qubits generated in some of the well known processes capable of taking place in an atom or a molecule following the absorption of a photon. Here, one can generate Coulombic or fine-structure entanglement of electronic qubits. The properties of these entanglements differ not only from each other, but also from those when spin of an inner-shell photoelectron is entangled with the polarization of the subsequent fluorescence. Spins of an outer-shell electron and of a residual photoion can have free or bound entanglement in a laboratory.
Quantum Entanglement of Complex Structures of Photons
by Robert FicklerThis thesis casts new light on quantum entanglement of photons with complex spatial patterns due to direct coincidence imaging. It demonstrates novel methods to generate, investigate, and verify entanglement of complex spatial structures. Quantum theory is one of the most successful and astonishing physical theories. It made possible various technical devices like lasers or mobile phones and, at the same time, it completely changed our understanding of the world. Interestingly, such counterintuitive features like entanglement are an important building block for future quantum technologies. In photonic experiments, the transverse spatial degree of freedom offers great potential to explore fascinating phenomena of single photons and quantum entanglement. It was possible to verify the entanglement of two photons with very high quanta of orbital angular momentum, a property of photons connected to their spatial structure and theoretically unbounded. In addition, modern imaging technology was used to visualize the effect of entanglement even in real-time and to show a surprising property: photons with complex spatial patterns can be both entangled and not entangled in polarization depending on their transverse spatial position.
Quantum Error Correction: Symmetric, Asymmetric, Synchronizable, and Convolutional Codes (Quantum Science and Technology)
by Giuliano Gadioli La GuardiaThis text presents an algebraic approach to the construction of several important families of quantum codes derived from classical codes by applying the well-known Calderbank-Shor-Steane (CSS), Hermitian, and Steane enlargement constructions to certain classes of classical codes. In addition, the book presents families of asymmetric quantum codes with good parameters and provides a detailed description of the procedures adopted to construct families of asymmetric quantum convolutional codes.Featuring accessible language and clear explanations, the book is suitable for use in advanced undergraduate and graduate courses as well as for self-guided study and reference. It provides an expert introduction to algebraic techniques of code construction and, because all of the constructions are performed algebraically, it enables the reader to construct families of codes, rather than only codes with specific parameters. The text offers an abundance of worked examples, exercises, and open-ended problems to motivate the reader to further investigate this rich area of inquiry. End-of-chapter summaries and a glossary of key terms allow for easy review and reference.
Quantum Error Correction
by Daniel A. Lidar Todd A. BrunQuantum computation and information is one of the most exciting developments in science and technology of the last twenty years. To achieve large scale quantum computers and communication networks it is essential not only to overcome noise in stored quantum information, but also in general faulty quantum operations. Scalable quantum computers require a far-reaching theory of fault-tolerant quantum computation. This comprehensive text, written by leading experts in the field, focuses on quantum error correction and thoroughly covers the theory as well as experimental and practical issues. The book is not limited to a single approach, but reviews many different methods to control quantum errors, including topological codes, dynamical decoupling and decoherence-free subspaces. Basic subjects as well as advanced theory and a survey of topics from cutting-edge research make this book invaluable both as a pedagogical introduction at the graduate level and as a reference for experts in quantum information science.
Quantum Error Correction and Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing
by Frank GaitanIt was once widely believed that quantum computation would never become a reality. However, the discovery of quantum error correction and the proof of the accuracy threshold theorem nearly ten years ago gave rise to extensive development and research aimed at creating a working, scalable quantum computer. Over a decade has passed since this monumental accomplishment yet no book-length pedagogical presentation of this important theory exists.Quantum Error Correction and Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing offers the first full-length exposition on the realization of a theory once thought impossible. It provides in-depth coverage on the most important class of codes discovered to date—quantum stabilizer codes. It brings together the central themes of quantum error correction and fault-tolerant procedures to prove the accuracy threshold theorem for a particular noise error model. The author also includes a derivation of well-known bounds on the parameters of quantum error correcting code. Packed with over 40 real-world problems, 35 field exercises, and 17 worked-out examples, this book is the essential resource for any researcher interested in entering the quantum field as well as for those who want to understand how the unexpected realization of quantum computing is possible.
Quantum Evolution
by Johnjoe McFaddenA brilliant new application of the principles of quantum mechanics to explain the origins of life. Living organisms are controlled by a single molecule--DNA. <p><p> The study of modern physics tells us that the behavior of single molecules is governed not by familiar classical laws but by the strange laws of quantum mechanics. The biological applications of this principle have never been fully explored--until now. McFadden's novel theory of quantum evolution shows how quantum mechanics endows living organisms with the ability to initiate specific actions, including new mutations. <p><p> This simple but staggering theory has radical implications. Debunking the recent propositions of evolutionary theorists, McFadden argues that evolution may not be random at all. Rather, it may be directed--that is, in certain circumstances, cells may be able to choose to mutate particular genes that provide an advantage in their environment. This property of living organisms to direct their actions undoubtedly lies at the core of the much disputed issues of consciousness and free will.
Quantum f-Divergences in von Neumann Algebras: Reversibility of Quantum Operations (Mathematical Physics Studies)
by Fumio HiaiRelative entropy has played a significant role in various fields of mathematics and physics as the quantum version of the Kullback–Leibler divergence in classical theory. Many variations of relative entropy have been introduced so far with applications to quantum information and related subjects. Typical examples are three different classes, called the standard, the maximal, and the measured f-divergences, all of which are defined in terms of (operator) convex functions f on (0,∞) and have respective mathematical and information theoretical backgrounds. The α-Rényi relative entropy and its new version called the sandwiched α-Rényi relative entropy have also been useful in recent developments of quantum information.In the first half of this monograph, the different types of quantum f-divergences and the Rényi-type divergences mentioned above in the general von Neumann algebra setting are presented for study. While quantum information has been developing mostly in the finite-dimensional setting, it is widely believed that von Neumann algebras provide the most suitable framework in studying quantum information and related subjects. Thus, the advance of quantum divergences in von Neumann algebras will be beneficial for further development of quantum information. Quantum divergences are functions of two states (or more generally, two positive linear functionals) on a quantum system and measure the difference between the two states. They are often utilized to address such problems as state discrimination, error correction, and reversibility of quantum operations. In the second half of the monograph, the reversibility/sufficiency theory for quantum operations (quantum channels) between von Neumann algebras via quantum f-divergences is explained, thus extending and strengthening Petz' previous work.For the convenience of the reader, an appendix including concise accounts of von Neumann algebras is provided.
Quantum Field Theory: Feynman Path Integrals and Diagrammatic Techniques in Condensed Matter
by Lukong Cornelius FaiThis book explores quantum field theory using the Feynman functional and diagrammatic techniques as foundations to apply Quantum Field Theory to a broad range of topics in physics. This book will be of interest not only to condensed matter physicists but physicists in a range of disciplines as the techniques explored apply to high-energy as well as soft matter physics.
Quantum Field Theory
by Franz Mandl Graham ShawFollowing on from the successful first (1984) and revised (1993) editions, this extended and revised text is designed as a short and simple introduction to quantum field theory for final year physics students and for postgraduate students beginning research in theoretical and experimental particle physics.The three main objectives of the book are to:Explain the basic physics and formalism of quantum field theoryTo make the reader proficient in theory calculations using Feynman diagramsTo introduce the reader to gauge theories, which play a central role in elementary particle physics.Thus, the first ten chapters deal with QED in the canonical formalism, and are little changed from the first edition. A brief introduction to gauge theories (Chapter 11) is then followed by two sections, which may be read independently of each other. They cover QCD and related topics (Chapters 12-15) and the unified electroweak theory (Chapters 16 - 19) respectively. Problems are provided at the end of each chapter.New to this edition:Five new chapters, giving an introduction to quantum chromodynamics and the methods used to understand it: in particular, path integrals and the renormalization group.The treatment of electroweak interactions has been revised and updated to take account of more recent experiments.
Quantum Field Theory: By Academician Prof. Kazuhiko Nishijima - A Classic in Theoretical Physics
by Kazuhiko NishijimaThis book is a translation of the 8th edition of Prof. Kazuhiko Nishijima’s classical textbook on quantum field theory. It is based on the lectures the Author gave to students and researchers with diverse interests over several years in Japan. The book includes both the historical development of QFT and its practical use in theoretical and experimental particle physics, presented in a pedagogical and transparent way and, in several parts, in a unique and original manner. The Author, Academician Nishijima, is the inventor (independently from Murray Gell-Mann) of the third (besides the electric charge and isospin) quantum number in particle physics: strangeness. He is also most known for his works on several other theories describing particles such as electron and muon neutrinos, and his work on the so-called Gell-Mann–Nishijima formula. The present English translation from its 8th Japanese edition has been initiated and taken care of by the editors Prof. M. Chaichian and Dr. A. Tureanu from the University of Helsinki, who were close collaborators of Prof. Nishijima. Dr. Yuki Sato, a researcher in particle physics at the University of Nagoya, most kindly accepted to undertake the heavy task of translation. The translation of the book can be regarded as a tribute to Prof. Nishijima's memory, for his fundamental contributions to particle physics and quantum field theory. The book presents with utmost clarity and originality the most important topics and applications of QFT which by now constitute the established core of the theory. It is intended for a wide circle of graduate and post-graduate students, as well as researchers in theoretical and particle physics. In addition, the book can be a useful source as a basic material or supplementary literature for lecturers giving a course on quantum field theory.
Quantum Field Theory
by Lewis H. RyderThis book is a modern pedagogic introduction to the ideas and techniques of quantum field theory. After a brief overview of particle physics and a survey of relativistic wave equations and Lagrangian methods, the quantum theory of scalar and spinor fields, and then of gauge fields, is developed. The emphasis throughout is on functional methods, which have played a large part in modern field theory. The book concludes with a brief survey of 'topological' objects in field theory and, new to this edition, a chapter devoted to supersymmetry.
Quantum Field Theory: An Introduction (Graduate Texts in Physics)
by Gordon Walter SemenoffThis textbook is intended to be used in an introductory course in quantum field theory. It assumes the standard undergraduate education of a physics major and it is designed to appeal to a wide array of physics graduate students, from those studying theoretical and experimental high energy physics to those interested in condensed matter, optical, atomic, nuclear and astrophysicists. It includes a thorough development of the field theoretic approach to nonrelativistic many-body physics as a step in developing a broad-based working knowledge of some of the basic aspects of quantum field theory. It presents a logical, step by step systematic development of relativistic field theory and of functional techniques and their applications to perturbation theory with Feynman diagrams, renormalization, and basic computations in quantum electrodynamics.
Quantum Field Theory
by Mark SrednickiTextbook on elementary particles for graduate students studying quantum field theory and elementary particle theory.
Quantum Field Theory
by Jean-Bernard Zuber Claude ItzyksonQuantum field theory remains among the most important tools in defining and explaining the microscopic world. Recent years have witnessed a blossoming of developments and applications that extend far beyond the theory's original scope. This comprehensive text offers a balanced treatment, providing students with both a formal presentation and numerous practical examples of calculations.This two-part approach begins with the standard quantization of electrodynamics, culminating in the perturbative renormalization. The second part comprises functional methods, relativistic bound states, broken symmetries, nonabelian gauge fields, and asymptotic behavior. Appropriate for students and researchers in field theory, particle physics, and related areas, this treatment presupposes a background in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and relativity, and it assumes some familiarity with classical calculus, including group theory and complex analysis.
Quantum Field Theory Approach To Condensed Matter Physics
by Eduardo C. MarinoA balanced combination of introductory and advanced topics provides a new and unique perspective on the quantum field theory approach to condensed matter physics. Beginning with the basics of these subjects, such as static and vibrating lattices, independent and interacting electrons, the functional formulation for fields and different generating functionals and their roles, this book presents a unified viewpoint illustrating the connections and relationships among various physical concepts and mechanisms. Advanced and newer topics bring the book up to date with current developments and include sections on cuprate and pnictide superconductors, graphene, Weyl semimetals, transition metal dichalcogenides and topological insulators. Finally, well-known subjects such as the quantum Hall effect, superconductivity, Mott and Anderson insulators, and the Anderson-Higgs mechanism are examined within a unifying QFT-CMP approach. Presenting new insights on traditional topics, this text allows graduate students and researchers to master the proper theoretical tools required in a variety of condensed matter physics systems.
Quantum Field Theory I
by Edouard B. ManoukianThis textbook covers a broad spectrum of developments in QFT, emphasizing those aspects that are now well consolidated and for which satisfactory theoretical descriptions have been provided. The book is unique in that it offers a new approach to the subject and explores many topics merely touched upon, if covered at all, in standard reference works. A detailed and largely non-technical introductory chapter traces the development of QFT from its inception in 1926. The elegant functional differential approach put forward by Schwinger, referred to as the quantum dynamical (action) principle, and its underlying theory are used systematically in order to generate the so-called vacuum-to-vacuum transition amplitude of both abelian and non-abelian gauge theories, in addition to Feynman's well-known functional integral approach, referred to as the path-integral approach. Given the wealth of information also to be found in the abelian case, equal importance is put on both abelian and non-abelian gauge theories. Particular emphasis is placed on the concept of a quantum field and its particle content to provide an appropriate description of physical processes at high energies, where relativity becomes indispensable. Moreover, quantum mechanics implies that a wave function renormalization arises in the QFT field independent of any perturbation theory - a point not sufficiently emphasized in the literature. The book provides an overview of all the fields encountered in present high-energy physics, together with the details of the underlying derivations. Further, it presents "deep inelastic" experiments as a fundamental application of quantum chromodynamics. Though the author makes a point of deriving points in detail, the book still requires good background knowledge of quantum mechanics, including the Dirac Theory, as well as elements of the Klein-Gordon equation. The present volume sets the language, the notation and provides additional background for reading Quantum Field Theory II - Introduction to Quantum Gravity, Supersymmetry and String Theory, by the same author. Students in this field might benefit from first reading the book Quantum Theory: A Wide Spectrum (Springer, 2006), by the same author.
Quantum Field Theory II
by Edouard B. ManoukianThis book takes a pedagogical approach to explaining quantum gravity, supersymmetry and string theory in a coherent way. It is aimed at graduate students and researchers in quantum field theory and high-energy physics. The first part of the book introduces quantum gravity, without requiring previous knowledge of general relativity (GR). The necessary geometrical aspects are derived afresh leading to explicit general Lagrangians for gravity, including that of general relativity. The quantum aspect of gravitation, as described by the graviton, is introduced and perturbative quantum GR is discussed. The Schwinger-DeWitt formalism is developed to compute the one-loop contribution to the theory and renormalizability aspects of the perturbative theory are also discussed. This follows by introducing only the very basics of a non-perturbative, background-independent, formulation of quantum gravity, referred to as "loop quantum gravity", which gives rise to a quantization of space. In the second part the author introduces supersymmetry and its consequences. The generation of superfields is represented in detail. Supersymmetric generalizations of Maxwell's Theory as well as of Yang-Mills field theory, and of the standard model are worked out. Spontaneous symmetry breaking, improvement of the divergence problem in supersymmetric field theory, and its role in the hierarchy problem are covered. The unification of the fundamental constants in a supersymmetric version of the standard model are then studied. Geometrical aspects necessary to study supergravity are developed culminating in the derivation of its full action. The third part introduces string theory and the analysis of the spectra of the mass (squared) operator associated with the oscillating strings. The properties of the underlying fields, associated with massless particles, encountered in string theory are studied in some detail. Elements of compactification, duality and D-branes are given, as well of the generation of vertices and interactions of strings. In the final sections, the author shows how to recover GR and the Yang-Mills field Theory from string theory.
Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell: Second Edition (In a Nutshell #7)
by Anthony ZeeA fully updated edition of the classic text by acclaimed physicist A. ZeeSince it was first published, Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell has quickly established itself as the most accessible and comprehensive introduction to this profound and deeply fascinating area of theoretical physics. Now in this fully revised and expanded edition, A. Zee covers the latest advances while providing a solid conceptual foundation for students to build on, making this the most up-to-date and modern textbook on quantum field theory available.This expanded edition features several additional chapters, as well as an entirely new section describing recent developments in quantum field theory such as gravitational waves, the helicity spinor formalism, on-shell gluon scattering, recursion relations for amplitudes with complex momenta, and the hidden connection between Yang-Mills theory and Einstein gravity. Zee also provides added exercises, explanations, and examples, as well as detailed appendices, solutions to selected exercises, and suggestions for further reading.The most accessible and comprehensive introductory textbook availableFeatures a fully revised, updated, and expanded textCovers the latest exciting advances in the fieldIncludes new exercisesOffers a one-of-a-kind resource for students and researchers Leading universities that have adopted this book include:Arizona State UniversityBoston UniversityBrandeis UniversityBrown UniversityCalifornia Institute of TechnologyCarnegie MellonCollege of William & MaryCornellHarvard UniversityMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyNorthwestern UniversityOhio State UniversityPrinceton UniversityPurdue University - Main CampusRensselaer Polytechnic InstituteRutgers University - New BrunswickStanford UniversityUniversity of California - BerkeleyUniversity of Central FloridaUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of MichiganUniversity of MontrealUniversity of Notre DameVanderbilt UniversityVirginia Tech University
Quantum Field Theory in Condensed Matter Physics
by Alexei M. TsvelikThis book is a course in modern quantum field theory as seen through the eyes of a theorist working in condensed matter physics. It contains a gentle introduction to the subject and therefore can be used even by graduate students. The introductory parts include a derivation of the path integral representation, Feynman diagrams and elements of the theory of metals including a discussion of Landau–Fermi liquid theory. In later chapters the discussion gradually turns to more advanced methods used in the theory of strongly correlated systems. The book contains a thorough exposition of such non-perturbative techniques as 1/N-expansion, bosonization (Abelian and non-Abelian), conformal field theory and theory of integrable systems. The book is intended for graduate students, postdoctoral associates and independent researchers working in condensed matter physics.
Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime
by Leonard E. Parker David J. TomsIn this book, Robert Wald provides a coherent, pedagogical introduction to the formulation of quantum field theory in curved spacetime. He begins with a treatment of the ordinary one-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator, progresses through the construction of quantum field theory in flat spacetime to possible constructions of quantum field theory in curved spacetime, and, ultimately, to an algebraic formulation of the theory. In his presentation, Wald disentangles essential features of the theory from inessential ones (such as a particle interpretation) and clarifies relationships between various approaches to the formulation of the theory. He also provides a comprehensive, up-to-date account of the Unruh effect, the Hawking effect, and some of its ramifications. In particular, the subject of black hole thermodynamics, which remains an active area of research, is treated in depth.
Quantum Field Theory Of Point Particles And Strings
by Brian HatfieldThe purpose of this book is to introduce string theory without assuming any background in quantum field theory. Part I of this book follows the development of quantum field theory for point particles, while Part II introduces strings. All of the tools and concepts that are needed to quantize strings are developed first for point particles. Thus, Part I presents the main framework of quantum field theory and provides for a coherent development of the generalization and application of quantum field theory for point particles to strings. Part II emphasizes the quantization of the bosonic string. The treatment is most detailed in the path integral representation where the object of interest, the partition function, is a sum over random surfaces. The relevant mathematics of Riemann surfaces is covered. Superstrings are briefly introduced, and the sum over genus 0 supersurfaces is computed. The emphasis of the book is calculational, and most computations are presented in step-by-step detail. The book is unique in that it develops all three representations of quantum field theory (operator, functional Schrödinger, and path integral) for point particles and strings. In many cases, identical results are worked out in each representation to emphasize the representation-independent structures of quantum field theory.
Quantum Field Theory Of Point Particles And Strings
by Brian HatfieldThe purpose of this book is to introduce string theory without assuming any background in quantum field theory. Part I of this book follows the development of quantum field theory for point particles, while Part II introduces strings. All of the tools and concepts that are needed to quantize strings are developed first for point particles. Thus, Part I presents the main framework of quantum field theory and provides for a coherent development of the generalization and application of quantum field theory for point particles to strings.Part II emphasizes the quantization of the bosonic string. The treatment is most detailed in the path integral representation where the object of interest, the partition function, is a sum over random surfaces. The relevant mathematics of Riemann surfaces is covered. Superstrings are briefly introduced, and the sum over genus 0 supersurfaces is computed.The emphasis of the book is calculational, and most computations are presented in step-by-step detail. The book is unique in that it develops all three representations of quantum field theory (operator, functional Schrödinger, and path integral) for point particles and strings. In many cases, identical results are worked out in each representation to emphasize the representation-independent structures of quantum field theory.