Hidden Worlds in Quantum Physics

Ebook

The past decade has witnessed a resurgence in research and interest in the areas of quantum computation and entanglement. This new book addresses the hidden worlds or variables of quantum physics. Author Gérard Gouesbet studied and worked with a former student of Louis de Broglie, a pioneer of quantum physics. His presentation emphasizes the history and philosophical foundations of physics, areas that will interest lay readers as well as professionals and advanced undergraduate and graduate students of quantum physics.

The introduction is succeeded by chapters offering a background on relevant concepts in classical and quantum mechanics, a brief history of causal theories, and examination of the double solution, pilot wave, and other hidden-variable theories. Additional topics include proofs of possibility and impossibility, contextuality, non-locality, classification of hidden-variable theories, and stochastic quantum mechanics. The final section discusses how to gain a genuine understanding of quantum mechanics and presents a refutation of certain hidden-variable theories, including pilot wave.

Contents:

• Introductory
• Background in Classical Mechanics
• Background in Quantum Mechanics
• Objections to Quantum Mechanics
• Philosophical Aspects of Quantum Mechanics
• A Brief History of Causal Theories
• The Double Solution
• Pilot Wave
• Other Hidden-Variables Theories
• Proofs of Impossibility and Possibility Proofs
• Contextuality
• Non-locality
• Classification of Hidden-Variables Theories
• Stochastic Quantum Mechanics
• When the Heart Hurts
• Understanding Quantum Mechanics
• Coup de Grâce (With However a Loophole)

Readership: All people, from lay people to undergraduate, graduate and highly skilled professionals: The book is organized in such a way that it can be read following two main different marked paths.