Quantum physics, illusion or reality? / Alastair I.M. Rae.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rae, Alastair I. M., author.

Series:

Canto classics.

Canto classics

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Quantum theory.

Physics--Philosophy.

Physics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xi, 144 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

Second edition.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2012.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Quantum physics is believed to be the fundamental theory underlying our understanding of the physical universe. However, it is based on concepts and principles that have always been difficult to understand and controversial in their interpretation. This book aims to explain these issues using a minimum of technical language and mathematics. After a brief introduction to the ideas of quantum physics, the problems of interpretation are identified and explained. The rest of the book surveys, describes and criticises a range of suggestions that have been made with the aim of resolving these problems; these include the traditional, or 'Copenhagen' interpretation, the possible role of the conscious mind in measurement and the postulate of parallel universes. This new edition has been revised throughout to take into account developments in this field over the past fifteen years, including the idea of 'consistent histories' to which a completely new chapter is devoted.

Contents:

Cover; Half Title; Title Page; Copyright; Dedication; Contents; Preface to the first edition; Preface to the second edition; 1 · Quantum physics; Light waves; Photons; The Heisenberg uncertainty principle; Atoms and matter waves; Beyond the atom; Condensed matter; 2 · Which way are the photons pointing?; The polarisation of light; The polarisation of photons; Hidden variables; 3 · What can be hidden in a pair of photons?; Bell's theorem; The experiments; Discussion; 4 · Wonderful Copenhagen?; Copenhagen and EPR; The measurement problem; SchrХоdinger's cat; 5 · Is it all in the mind?

Quantum physics and reductionism6 · Many worlds; 7 · Is it a matter of size?; Superconductivity; 8 · Backwards and forwards; Indelible records; Irreversibility; Irreversibility and measurement; 9 · Only one way forward?; Return to the measurement problem; 10 · Can we be consistent?; Actualisation; 11 · Illusion or reality?; Further reading; Index

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-139-89389-0

1-107-38686-1

1-107-39539-9

1-107-39059-1

1-107-41435-0

1-107-29560-2