Quantum measurement: a bridge to classical physics

Gerard G. Emch

doi:10.1117/12.488674

4 August 2003 Quantum measurement: a bridge to classical physics

Gerard G. Emch

Proceedings Volume 5105, Quantum Information and Computation; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.488674
Event: AeroSense 2003, 2003, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

In light of the lessons learned in the last 35 years from the quantum statistical mechanics description of phase transitions, I argue that the dichotomy in the evolution of quantum systems proposed by von Neumann, and pursued by Wigner in spite of the Einstein--Bohr criticisms on the attendent lack of resolution in terms of classical reality, fails to take into account the middle term suggested by the existence of superselection rules, Wigner's own discovery (with Wightmann and Wick). I claim that the part of the measurement problem concerned with the stable transfer of microscopic information to macroscopic physics can be treated entirely within the framework of a deterministic, conservative evolution of the joint system, i.e. without requiring the type of evolution von Neumann proposed besides that governed by the Schroedinger equation. I sustain this claim with the use of an exactly solvable model akin to the x-y model of statistical mechanics and involving its thermodynamical limit.

Citation Download Citation

Gerard G. Emch "Quantum measurement: a bridge to classical physics", Proc. SPIE 5105, Quantum Information and Computation, (4 August 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.488674

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