QM foundations & nature of time
seminar
relaxed discussions about the foundations
of physics
Saturday at 16 CET/Warsaw time
Paweł Błasiak, Jarosław
Duda, contact: jaroslaw.duda@uj.edu.pl, speakers are welcomed
link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83714441316?pwd=qdITTPNwRHFPZ6FDtg7HKyd1bwsPJG.1
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Speakers are welcomed |
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2024-07-13 |
Billy
Braasch (QuICS, UMD)
Non-Abelian transport distinguishes three usually equivalent notions of
entropy production A fundamental
challenge is to define quantum thermodynamic quantities—for example, heat,
work, and entropy production. We extend the definition of entropy production
to a deeply quantum regime involving noncommuting observables [1]. Consider
two systems prepared in different thermal states. A unitary transports
observables (“charges”) between the systems. Three common formulae model the
entropy produced. They cast entropy as an extensive thermodynamic variable,
an information-theoretic uncertainty measure, and a quantifier of
irreversibility. Often, the charges are assumed to commute with each other
(e.g., energy and particle number), and the entropy-production formulae equal
each other. Yet quantum charges can fail to commute, inviting generalizations
of the three formulae. Charges’ noncommutation, we find, breaks the
formulae’s quivalence. Furthermore, different formulae quantify different
physical effects of charges’ noncommutation on entropy production. This work
opens the door of stochastic thermodynamics to charges that are peculiarly
quantum by failing to commute with each other. (article) |
|
2024-06-15 |
Andras Kovacs
(BroadBit) A
particle model based on direct interpretation of Compton scattering
measurements and gamma spectroscopy I present a
particle model that is based on a direct interpretation of Compton scattering
measurements, gamma spectroscopy, and magnetic moment data. To correctly
interpret nuclear measurements, we strictly adhere to foundational Physics
laws, such as the Maxwell and Klein-Nishina equations. It turns out that an
electron's and a proton's internal structures can be modeled analogously; the
main difference is the topology of their Zitterbewegung. This result implies
that the neutron-proton difference is the additional presence of a negative
elementary charge, i.e. the neutron has two sub-particles. We develop a
precise mass measurement method for measuring the negative charge's mass
within the neutron, and also survey relevant experiments. Numerous experiments
converge to the same result: the neutron comprises a proton and a nuclear
electron, whose mass is 1.554 MeV, and the binding energy of these two
neutron components is 0.26 MeV. Our work clarifies that all tangible matter
comprises three elementary particle types: electron, nuclear electron, and
proton. We begin the discussion of unstable particles by considering magnetic
moment difference between an electron and muon. Finally, we discuss what
pion-related nuclear reactions reveal about the pion's internal structure.
The reviewed experimental data lead to a reasonable approximation of the
muon's and pion's internal structures as well. The muon turns out to be an
elementary particle, the neutral pion has two sub-particles, while the charge
pion has three sub-particles. (recording) |
|
2024-06-01 |
Jarek Duda (JU): Geometric
interpretation of the Standard Model as topological excitations |
|
2024-05-25 |
Mehran
Shaghaghi (UIC): Deriving Quantum Formalism from Information Limits in
Microscopic Systems |
|
2024-04-06 |
Zitterbewegung mini-conference (abstracts+answers,
video recording )
to discuss fundamental questions e.g.: What propels
this periodic process? Why is it energetically favorable? Why does
it maintain constant frequency? Does it not radiate energy? It is
often assumed to have frequency proportional to mass - is it true? Which
mass? Does the
electron Zitterbewegung model apply to the proton? Other particles? Consequences
- e.g. acting as fundamental noise? Does it propel Casimir effect? Experimental confirmation for electron
- Test again? Different particles? Dirac simulations? Extensions? Schedule: 16:00 Jarek
Duda, Topological soliton electron model with zitterbewegung including
propulsion mechanism |
|
2023-11-04 |
Aleksander
A. Lasek (UMD): Thermalisation with
noncommuting charges Quantum simulators have recently enabled
experimental observations of the internal thermalization of quantum many-body
systems. Often, the global energy and particle number are conserved and the
system is prepared with a well-defined particle number—in a microcanonical
subspace. However, quantum evolution can also conserve quantities, or
charges, that fail to commute with each other. Noncommuting charges have
recently emerged as a subfield at the intersection of quantum thermodynamics
and quantum information. I will give a brief introduction to the field
of quantum noncommuting thermodynamics, as well as present our original
results. Until recently, this subfield has remained theoretical. We initiate
the experimental testing of its predictions, with a trapped-ion
simulator. We find that small subsystems equilibrate to near a recently
predicted non-Abelian thermal state. This work bridges quantum many-body
simulators to the quantum thermodynamics of noncommuting charges, the
predictions of which can now be tested (article1,
article2,
article3) |
|
2023-08-19 |
Jarek Duda (JU):
Two-way quantum
computers (2WQC) adding CPT analog of state preparation to attack NP problems While one-way quantum computers (1WQC)
use reversible, unitary evolution, they treat boundary conditions in
asymmetric way: allowing to fix only the initial states by state preparation.
There will be discussed their 2WQC enhancement adding CPT analog of such
state preparation to also fix some final states with physical constraints –
using CPT analogs as e.g. pull/push, negative/positive pressure (e.g.
radiation), stimulated emission/absorption enforcing deexcitation/excitation.
For hydrodynamics realizations it could be done by just connecting such chip
into a circuit with pump: both pushing into with positive pressure, and
pulling from with negative pressure. Mathematically hydrodynamics is governed
by similar wavelike equation as electromagnetism, hence I will focus on more
practical photonic quantum computers, e.g. with (unidirectional) ring laser
acting as pump for photons. If successful, thanks to better control of
information flow, analogously to Shor algorithm, in theory such 2WQC could
attack NP complete problems (article,
slides,
recording). |
|
2023-07-15 |
Sergey
Rashkovskiy (RAS) Quantum
Mechanics: Strange Particle Theory or Classical Field Theory? I show that we can avoid the
QM-paradoxes if we consider some classical wave field (“an electron wave”)
instead of electron as a particle and consider the wave equations (Dirac,
Klein-Gordon, Pauli and Schrödinger) as the field equations for an electron field
similar to Maxwell equations for the electromagnetic field. I show that such
an electron field has an electric charge, an intrinsic angular momentum
(spin) and an intrinsic magnetic moment continuously distributed in the
space. In the framework of classical electrodynamics, we obtained the
nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which accounts for the inverse action of
self-electromagnetic radiation of the electron wave. I show that this
equation completely and consistently describes all known properties of the hydrogen atom within
the framework of classical field theory without any quantization and
additional hypothesis: namely, the stability of an atom, the nature and
regularities of the spontaneous emissions of an atom, a light-atom interactions,
the photoelectric effect, the Compton effect, the thermal radiation, etc. In
particular, Planck’s law for the spectral energy density of thermal radiation
and the Einstein A-coefficient for spontaneous emission are derived in the
framework of classical field theory without using the concept of “photon”. I
show that the conventional corpuscular-statistical interpretation of atomic
phenomena is only a misinterpretation of continuous deterministic processes.
These results show that quantum mechanics must be considered to be not a
theory of particles but a classical field theory in the spirit of classical
electrodynamics. In conclusion, I show how Dirac equation can be coupled with
Maxwell equation in order to construct the self-consistent Maxwell-Dirac
theory (articles, recording) |
|
2023-06-17 |
Valeriy Sbitnev (Berkeley) Louis de Broglie's double solution
theory confirms the wave-particle duality principle Louis de
Broglie in the beginning 20th century voices his theory of a double solution,
according to which a pilot wave accompanies a particle, simulated as a point
singularity, along the most optimal path from its creation on a source up to
the detection. The pilot wave is a real hidden wave, which is similar to the
wave function resulting from the solution of the Schrödinger equation. This
theory is in agreement with de Broglie's postulate about the matter waves. In
this article we mention the Helmholtz decomposition theorem according to
which any velocity may be represented as a sum of two velocities --
irrotational and solenoidal ones. The first velocity stems from the gradient
of the scalar field. The second occurs from a pseudo-vector field. We proclaim
that the gradients of the scalar field define guiding paths of the pilot
wave. While the pseudo-vector field defines a particle solenoidal filling. We
give mathematical models of the irrotational and solenoidal flows simulating
the position of a particle in a guiding wave. Modified Navier-Stokes equation
in pair with the continuity equation resulting in the Schrödinger equation
gives such solutions consisting of superposition of the irrotational and
solenoidal flow (article1,
article2,
slides).
|
|
2023-05-27 |
Álvaro García López (URJC), Orbit
quantization in a retarded potential The dynamics of a damped harmonic
oscillator in the presence of a retarded potential with state-dependent
time-delayed feedback. In the limit of small time-delays, we show that the
oscillator is equivalent to a Liénard system. This allows us to analytically
predict the value of the first Hopf bifurcation, unleashing zero-point
fluctuations. We compute bifurcation diagrams for several model parameter
values and analyse multistable domains in detail. Using the Lyapunov energy
function, two well-resolved energy levels represented by two coexisting
stable limit cycles are discerned. Further exploration of the parameter space
reveals the existence of a superposition limit cycle, encompassing two
degenerate coexisting limit cycles at the fundamental energy level. Some
remarks in comparison with silicone oil droplet models are made (article,
slides). |
|
2023-03-25 |
Russell Thompson (UWaterloo)
Quantum Mechanics from a Holographic Principle In 1953, Richard Feynman introduced a mathematical
trick through which quantum mechanical many-body problems could be solved
using classical statistical mechanics by treating the inverse of the thermal
energy in the partition function as an imaginary time dimension (a Wick
rotation). This opened the door for modern quantum simulation methods such as
path integral Monte Carlo, centroid molecular dynamics and ring polymer
molecular dynamics which are solved classically by using the extra,
fictitious, dimension. Practitioners of this quantum-classical isomorphism
often refer to the quantum particles they are simulating as “ring polymers”
since the imaginary time parameter describes a one-dimensional trajectory
that starts and stops at the same position in space, forming a closed loop
when projected into 3D. It has been shown that polymer self-consistent field
theory (SCFT) also obeys the quantum-classical isomorphism, and is, under the
right conditions, also equivalent to quantum density functional theory (DFT).
Since the theorems of DFT guarantee equivalence between the predictions of
DFT and those of of quantum mechanics, the mathematics of SCFT in a 5D
thermal-space-time must be dual to those of 4D non-relativistic quantum
mechanics — a holographic principle. This requires speculating that Feynman’s
thermal dimension is physically real instead of just a trick of the math. The
5D picture requires fewer postulates than most descriptions of quantum
mechanics and uses only classical concepts, albeit in a higher dimensional
space. I will give an introductions to the SCFT approach, show some numerical
solutions to the non-linear SCFT equations, and consider the prospects,
applications and significant limitations of the methodology (article1, article2, recording). |
|
2023-03-11 |
Vivian Robinson, A Universal Particle Structure that gives all
Particles Their Properties |
|
2023-02-25 |
Anton Vrba, Particles as Maxwellian Solitons |
|
2023-02-11 |
Bell mini-conference (abstracts+answers, recording1,
recording2) to discuss fundamental questions e.g.: Can
physics be both local and realistic? How to understand, repair (one of) them? Can
classical field theory violate Bell-like inequalities? What is
the difference between classical and quantum allowing to violate Bell? What
other systems allow for Bell violation, e.g. Ising model? Where
does the square in Born rule come from? Is it the only reason for Bell
violation? What is
measurement, deexcitation, etc.? Are they instant processes, reversible, e.g.
in Stern-Gerlach? Is the
Schrödinger equation local, realistic? If so, how can QM violate Bell? Schedule: 16:00 Marc Fleury, Review of
Isolation achieved in the Aspect and Zeilinger experiments. The case of
standing waves (blog) 16:30 Richard Gill, Myths and
misunderstandings. Bell’s “Reply to critics” said it all (article) 17:00 Jarek Duda, Boltzmann vs
Feynman path ensemble - Born rule and Bell violation in Ising model (article,
slides) 17:30 Álvaro García, Correlation
and contextuality loopholes are equivalent (article1, article2) 18:00 Robert Close, Geometrical
Model of Bell Inequality Violation (slides) 18:30 James Tankersley, Faking
Bell (simulation, discussion) 19:00 Tim Palmer, Is
Superdeterminism really such a ridiculous idea? Then discussion. |
|
2023-01-28 |
Bryan Sanctuary (McGill University):
Extrinsic Quaternion Spin If the symmetry of a spin ½ is changed
from SU(2) to the quaternion group, S8 , then spin changes from a
point particle to one with a 2D structure. This reveals a missed
property of spin. In addition to the usual up and down polarized states that
are measured, two additional coherent states for L and R helicity are
found. This is not the usual helicity defined in particle physics, but
an additional attribute of spin. Under the quaternion group, symmetric
polarizations are described by the Pauli spin vector, $\sigma$ and the
antisymmetric helicity by the bivector, $i\sigma$. Moreover, surprisingly,
the four states of quaternion spin form one particle in the Dirac field which
replaces the interpretation of Dirac whereby the two-dimensional Dirac spin
and its mirror are treated as measured spin and its antimatter twin.
Polarization and coherence are two complementary elements of reality,
analogous to position-momentum; angular momentum and angle; and energy and
time. Moreover, it is found that the helicity accounts for the correlation
found in coincident EPR experiments which give an apparent violation of
Bell’s Inequalities. As seen in the figure, the simulation gives the
correlation and more that is observed in experiment. The simulation is
trivial, simply finding which way the spin axis spins. The talk is
pedagogical with simple geometric arguments to describe a separated EPR pair
with no entanglement. This obviates the need for non-local connectivity
between Alice and Bob and shows that the apparent violation of Bell’s
Inequalities is evidence for local realism, and not non-locality. The theory
has no Local Hidden Variables, so Bell’s Theorem is irrelevant, and always
satisfied. (article1,
article2,
article3,
program)
|
|
2023-01-14 |
John G. Williamson (University
of Glasgow): A new relativistic quantum
mechanics |
|
2023-01-07 |
Models of
particles mini-conference (abstracts+answers, recording1, recording2) to discuss fundamental
questions
e.g.: Why is electric charge quantized (no half-electron)? Schedule: |
|
2022-12-08 |
Jarek Duda (Jagiellonian
University): Topological defects with electromagnetic + gravitomagnetic
interactions |
|
2022-10-14 |
Samo Kralj (University
of Maribor) Liquid crystals as a playground of topological defects Physical fields
might be fundamental constituents of nature. Furthermore, topological defects
in relevant physical fields might play the role of fundamental particles as
first demonstrated by Skyrmy [1]. He introduced topologically protected
solitons (referred to as skyrmions) as candidates for mesons and baryons.
Therefore, one could explain all natural complexity from the viewpoint of TDs
and their assemblies. Liquid crystals
(LCs) are particularly adequate to study TDs and related topological
phenomena. They exhibit diverse qualitatively different TDs in form of point,
line, wall, and texture configurations. In LCs different assemblies of TDs
could be relatively easily created, stabilized, manipulated, and observed
(e.g., using polarizing microscopy). In the lecture,
we will present our studies of different TDs in orientationally ordered LCs
that might be analogs of fundamental excitations in nature the behavior of
which is still not understood. We demonstrate that geometrical curvature [2]
is the mean generic formation and TD stabilization mechanism. We show that the topology of torus
stabilizes “chargeless” TDs [3] which might play the role of neutrinos. In
LCs they form an elastic ribbon-like structure that embeds the toroidally
shaped LC-immersed colloidal particle. Furthermore, we present the formation
and stabilization mechanism of merons (skyrmion family members) and their
condensation in crystal-like configurations. In pour experiments, we made
their structural details and dynamics experimentally accessible by forcing
the LC structure close to a critical point, in which the relevant order
parameter field correlation length and relaxation time diverge. These
quantities dominate the characteristic linear size of the defect core
structure and its dynamic features. In particular, we show how TDs mediate
temperature-driven order-disorder phase transition in chiral LCs. (articles: [1],
[2], [3])
|
|
2022-07-21 |
Robert Close (Clark College) Predictions and Validations of an Elastic Solid
Aether Model The idea of space being filled with a solid
has been pondered since the early 19th century when Thomas Young demonstrated
that light consists of waves. However, the idea of massive particles
consisting of waves was only seriously considered after being proposed by de
Broglie in 1924. This was after the development of both special and general
relativity, and mainstream physics has failed to reinterpret those theories
to properly account for the wave nature of matter. This talk will examine predictions of the
elastic solid aether model for four seminal physics experiments: (1) the
Michelson-Morley experiment demonstrating that the measured speed of light is
independent of the velocity of the observer, (2) Eddington’s observation of
the deflection of light in a gravitational field, (3) the Stern-Gerlach
demonstration of intrinsic or “spin” angular momentum of electrons, and (4)
Wu’s demonstration that matter is not mirror-symmetric. We will also examine
the nature of electromagnetic potentials and fields, electric charge,
magnetic flux, and the QED Lagrangian (slides) |
|
2022-07-07 |
Valeriy Sbitnev (Berkeley) Quaternion algebra on 4D superfluid
quantum space-time. Dirac and Majorana relativistic fermion fields Gravitomagnetic
equations result from applying quaternion differential operators to the
energy-momentum tensor written in the quaternion basis. These equations are
similar to Maxwell’s EM equations. They are parent ones generating a series
of equations describing the real physical processes. The vorticity equation
gives solutions of vortices with nonzero vortex cores and infinite lifetime.
The Hamilton-Jacobi equation loaded by the quantum potential opens the
hydrodynamic approach on the fermionic fields. In the relativistic limit,
this equation (together with the continuity one) underlies fermionic
fields leading to the emergence of the Dirac equation. Analysis of its
solutions discloses the existence of the paired Majorana fermions having
integer spins 1 or 0 as, for example, ortho- and para- hydrogens. One
more solution of the Dirac equation leads to the existence of the
particle-antiparticle pair. The electron-positron pairs ordered into a
macroscopic coherent Bose-Einstein condensate give a simple example of the
existence of Wilczek's time crystals. The pairs of proton-antiprotons, loaded
by accompanying electron-positron buffers, can pose long-lived ordered
quantum objects. These objects representing the Bose-Einstein condensate look
like Wilczek's time crystals as well. These macroscopic coherent ensembles
are discussed in the light of the ball lightning manifestations capable of
tunneling across hard obstacles, for example, window glasses. (slides,
article) |
|
2022-06-23 |
Jarek Duda (Jagiellonian U) Electron
diffusion model of semiconductor p-n junction (diode) – where is the
classical-quantum boundary? |
|
2022-06-09 |
Marian Kowalski (Ontario Tech University) The
semi-classical, quantum and EM process of photon emission by the H atom |
|
2022-05-12 |
Ruth Kastner (UMD) The
Relativistic Transactional Formulation of Quantum Theory |
|
2022-04-28 |
Manfried Faber (TU Wien) From soft
Dirac monopoles to the Dirac equation |
|
2022-04-14 |
Mario G. Silveirinha (ULisboa) Time-Crystal Model of the
Electron Spin The
time-crystal concept was originally introduced by Frank Wilczek [1] and
relates to systems with a spontaneously broken time-translational symmetry,
such that the ground-state evolves periodically in time, not withstanding the
equations of motion are invariant under arbitrary time-translations (i.e., do
not depend on the time origin). Thus, the ground state of a time-crystal is
some sort of “perpetuum mobile”. The time-crystal idea was originally
introduced in the context quantum many-body systems. It is natural
to wonder if non-driven classical time-crystals may naturally occur in nature
and if they can have a role in the description of physical reality. In this
talk, I will show that a hypothetical classical massless particle has
forcibly a time-crystal (non-driven) dynamics characterized by a spontaneous
time symmetry breaking that originates a spin angular momentum. I will show
that a time-crystal particle is formed by two inseparable components: a
massive-component that behaves as a classical particle and a wave-component
that whirls around the “particle” and generates the spin and an intrinsic
angular momentum. The spin vector is parallel to the binormal of the velocity
trajectory and is the spatial component of a 4-vector. The trajectory of the
particle is fully controlled by the trajectory of the wave, reminiscent of
the pilot-wave theory of de Broglie and Bohm. Furthermore, in the proposed
framework the “mass” is an emergent property, in the sense that it originates
from the fact that the center of mass frame speed is necessarily less than c.
The trajectory of a time-crystal particle is controlled by a dynamical least
action principle. The massless-component dynamically probes the nearby space
and the particle moves on average towards the direction of space that
minimizes an action integral. |
|
2022-03-31 |
John Macken (SMC): A Quantum Vacuum Model Unites an
Electron’s Gravitational and Electromagnetic Forces When physicists attempt to create a
model of a fundamental particle, the immediate objective is to have the model
match the particle’s known properties. However, for the model to be
considered “useful”, it must ultimately make correct predictions that advance
science. This presentation is about an electron model that went beyond
achieving an electron’s known properties and generated correct predictions. The original objective was to match an
electron’s wave-particle and point particle properties. However, the model
unexpectantly also generated an electron’s gravitational and electromagnetic
forces. Most surprising, the model predicted these forces are related through
a nonlinear effect incorporating an electron’s wave properties. For example,
gravitational and electrostatic force equations between two electrons are
stated using the electron’s strain amplitude raised to two different powers.
These insights reveal the underlying physics of how an electron creates both
a gravitational field and an electric field. The seminar will start with a
description of the assumed quantum vacuum model. John Wheeler’s “quantum
foam” model is analyzed and expanded to include the calculated impedance of
spacetime and the bulk modulus of spacetime. The electron model must achieve
an electron’s de Broglie wave characteristics. This requirement dictates the
electron model must be a wave with Planck length amplitude that is rotating
at an electron’s Compton frequency with ħ/2 angular momentum. Besides
subjects covered in the title paper, electrical charge, electric fields, and
photons will also be discussed. (article,
webpage+video) |
|
2022-03-17 |
Bell short talks and discussion: Kelvin Onggadinata “Local Activation of
Non-locality With Negative Bits” (article) Robert Brady "Bell
correlations in stage magic" (article, slides) Louis Vervoort "Superdeterminism
illustrated in spin-lattices" (article) Jarek Duda “Ising violation of Mermin’s
‘tossing 3 coins, at least 2 give the same’” (article, slides) |
|
2022-03-03 |
Marc Fleury Everything is
connected to everything, but how? Probing the nature of quantum entanglement Quantum
Entanglement is routinely observed in the lab, with photons, electrons,
atoms, molecules and now whole organisms. But what underlying mechanism is
responsible for the causally separated yet correlated outcomes we observe? We review state of the art photonic Bell
violations, and identify possible theoretical background-based
candidates. We proposed and conducted
a photonic Bell violation experiment, featuring a geometry with a rotating
Foucault mirror that tested this background field hypothesis by removing /
gating said background intermittently. The observation of Bell violations
proved that if a background field exists and is responsible for entanglement,
then the violations cannot be due to a traveling (including superluminal)
waves. This experimental result rules out superluminal theories (including
instantaneous). We logically deduce that the effects could be due to a time
averaged standing wave (article). |
|
2022-02-18 |
Donald C. Chang (HKUST) What is the origin of the
quantum wave function? A new model on wave–particle duality A well-known mystery in quantum
mechanics is wave–particle duality: Is an electron a point mass or a physical
wave? What is the physical meaning of its wave function? About a hundred
years ago, there was a famous debate between Bohr and Einstein on this topic.
Their question is still open today. This talk reviews a new theoretical
framework to address this problem. We hypothesize that both photons and
electrons are quantized excitation waves of the vacuum, the physical
properties of which can be modeled based on the Maxwell theory. Using the
method of Helmholtz decomposition, one can show that the wave function of the
particle is associated with an electric vector potential called “ Z”, which
plays the role of basic field for the excitation wave. Using this framework,
the quantum wave equations can be derived based on a quantization of the
Maxwell theory. This work suggests that, the quantum wave function truly
represents a physical wave; the wave packet looks like a “particle” only in
the macroscopic view. Because the vacuum excitation obeys the principle of
all-or-none, the probability of detecting this “particle” is related to the
wave function as suggested in the Copenhagen interpretation (article, slides) |
|
2022-02-03 |
Tim Palmer (Oxford) Discretisation of the Bloch Sphere,
Fractal Invariant Sets and Bell’s Theorem Max Planck famously introduced the
notion of discretised packets of energy, quanta, thus kickstarting the
development of our most successful theory of physics, replacing classical
theories in which energy varies continuously. Despite its success, however,
the concepts of reality and local causality are deeply problematic in quantum
mechanics. Such problems may lie at the heart of why it has been so difficult
to synthesise quantum and gravitational physics. Motivated by these issues, we apply
Planck’s discretisation insight again, but this time to the continuum of
quantum mechanics’ state space - complex Hilbert Space. A particular discretisation
is discussed - one which draws on number theoretic properties of
trigonometric functions. This leads to a model of quantum physics which is
necessarily superdeterministic in character, that is to say violates the
Statistical Independence assumption in Bell’s Theorem. Because of this, the
model does not need to invoke concepts of indefinite reality or nonlocality
to explain the violation of Bell’s inequality (article) |
|
2021-12-16 |
Giulia Rubino (Bristol) Quantum superposition of
thermodynamic evolutions with opposing time's arrows Microscopic
physical laws are time-symmetric, hence, a priori there exists no
preferential temporal direction. However, the second law of thermodynamics
allows one to associate the "forward'' temporal direction to a positive
variation of the total entropy produced in a thermodynamic process, and a
negative variation with its "time-reversal'' counterpart. This
definition of a temporal axis is normally considered to apply in both
classical and quantum contexts. Yet, quantum physics admits also
superpositions between forward and time-reversal processes, whereby the
thermodynamic arrow of time becomes quantum-mechanically undefined. In this
talk, I will show that a definite thermodynamic time's arrow can be restored
by a quantum measurement of entropy production, which effectively projects
such superpositions onto the forward (time-reversal) time-direction when
large positive (negative) values are measured. Remarkably, for small values
(of the order of plus or minus one), the amplitudes of forward and
time-reversal processes can interfere, giving rise to entropy-production
distributions featuring a more or less reversible process than either of the
two components individually, or any classical mixture thereof (article, news) |
|
2021-12-09 |
Valeriy Sbitnev (Berkeley) Quaternion algebra on 4D superfluid
quantum space-time. Gravitomagnetic equations and something else |
|
2021-11-25 |
Marian Kupczyński (UQO) Quantum
nonlocality: how does nature do it? Local realistic
and stochastic hidden variable models define experimental protocols, which
are inconsistent with experimental protocols used in real Bell Tests.
Therefore, it is not surprising that they fail to describe correctly the
experimental data. In 2009 Nicholas Gisin claimed in Science, that quantum
correlations come from outside the space-time due to the quantum magic. Since
we do not believe in magic, we propose a locally causal explanation of these
correlations. Neither super-determinism nor retro- causality is needed, nor
is experimenter’s freedom of choice (EFO) compromised. In our contextual
model, setting dependent variables describing measuring instruments are
correctly introduced. Outcomes are predetermined both by instrument variables
and variables describing incoming correlated signals at the moment of the
measurement. There does not exist a joint probability distribution of
variables describing all the possible settings, thus Bell inequalities may
not be derived. In this talk, based on
the articles listed below, we also explain in detail why the assumption
called free choice-no conspiracy-measurement independence has nothing to do
with EFO and should be rather called noncontextuality assumption. The
violation of Bell inequalities neither implies the nonlocality of Nature nor
the violation of EFO. It only confirms
the contextuality of some observables in quantum domain and that outcomes are
not predetermined before the experiment is done. (article1, article2) |
|
2021-11-11 |
Jarek Duda (JU)
Exploring resemblance between liquid crystal topological defects and
particle physics There are experimentally observed long-range e.g. Coulomb-like
interactions for topological defects in liquid crystals, suggesting
investigation how far can we take this resemblance with particle physics. I
will discuss postulating skyrmion-like Lagrangian to get electromagnetism for
their effective dynamics, interpreting filed curvature as electric field -
making Gauss law count (quantized) topological charge. For biaxial nematic -
with 3 distinguished axes, hedgehogs of one of 3 axes are different mass realizations
of the same topological charge - resembling 3 leptons. Further baryon-like
topological structures require charge, which has to be compensated for
neutron - suggesting why it is heavier than proton. For analog of quantum
phase there is derived Klein-Gordon-like equation (article, slides,
demonstration) |
|
2021-10-29 |
Álvaro García López (URJC) Hidden fields preclude the demonstration of Bell-type theorem argue that the physical magnitudes appearing in such theories
correspond to hidden fields of dynamical nature. This requires reconsidering
Bell’s proof in terms of random fields, what prevents the expression of the
correlation integral as a spacetime-independent variable. Then, taking into
account that the probability distribution evolves in time, we show that the
spin-correlation cannot be expressed in terms of a probability density
defined on initial data, which is independent of the measurement process. Finally,
we derive a new inequality that is not violated by quantum correlation
functions of entangled spin pairs. Following recent results, we propose that
Maxwell’s classical electromagnetism and its general covariant formulation
might be the so long-desired hidden variable theory that produces quantum
fluctuations (article,
slides)
|
|
2021-10-14 |
Paweł Błasiak (IFJ
PAN) What is the weight of locality and free choice? Is physical reality local, or does what we do here and now have an immediate
influence on events elsewhere? Do we have free choice or are our decisions
predetermined? In this talk, I will briefly recall how physicists understand
these concepts, and how Bell’s theorem undermines our most cherished
intuitions about cause-and-effect on the fundamental level. I will also show
how to quantitatively compare the assumptions of locality and free choice,
with a view to better appreciate their role and weight for causal (or
realist) explanations of observed correlations. (article,
news) |
|
2021-01-26 |
Mark Hadley (Warwick) Time orientability. What it
is and why it is important. I will explain
what the orientability of time is, in particular a space time that is not
time orientable. In principle this can explain the quantum world. It allows
topology change in general relativity. I will show space time structure with
net electric charge from the source free Maxwell equations. And the strange
property for spin half arises naturally in particle models that are not time
orientable. I’ll conclude by describing a definitive test of time non
orientability – with a positive result (slides, video). |
|
2020-12-29 |
Marek Danielewski (AGH) Foundations of the
Quaternion Quantum Mechanics We show that
quaternion quantum mechanics has well-founded mathematical roots and can be
derived from the model of the elastic continuum by French mathematician
Augustin Cauchy, i.e., it can be regarded as representing the physical
reality of elastic continuum. Starting from the Cauchy theory (classical
balance equations for isotropic Cauchy-elastic material) and using the
Hamilton quaternion algebra, we present a rigorous derivation of the
quaternion form of the non- and relativistic wave equations. The family of
the wave equations and the Poisson equation are a straightforward consequence
of the quaternion representation of the Cauchy model of the elastic
continuum. This is the most general kind of quantum mechanics possessing the
same kind of calculus of assertions as conventional quantum mechanics. The
problem of the Schrödinger equation, where imaginary ‘i’ should emerge, is
solved. This interpretation is a serious attempt to describe the ontology of
quantum mechanics, and demonstrates that, besides Bohmian mechanics, the
complete ontological interpretations of quantum theory exists. The model can
be generalized and falsified. To ensure this theory to be true, we specified
problems, allowing exposing its falsity (article, slides, ~video). |
|
2020-10-06 |
Dagomir Kaszlikowski (NUS), Pawel Kurzynski (UAM) Another take on negative probabilities? We present
preliminary studies of basic information-theoretic and computational
properties of negative binary probability distribution called nebit:
p(0)=1+\delta, p(1)=-\delta. We show an interesting computational model based
on quasi-stochastic processes between an ordinary bit and nebit. Finally, we
show that some classical information processing protocols can be more
effective with an access to nebits (article) . |
|
2020-09-29 |
Álvaro García López (URJC) On an electrodynamic origin of quantum
fluctuations We use the Liénard–Wiechert
potential to show that very violent fluctuations are experienced by an
electromagnetic charged extended particle when it is perturbed from its rest
state. The feedback interaction of Coulombian and radiative fields among
different charged parts of the particle makes uniform motion unstable. Then,
we show that radiative fields and radiation reaction produce dissipative and
antidamping effects, triggering a self-oscillation. Finally, we compute the
self-potential, which in addition to rest and kinetic energy, gives rise to a
new contribution that shares features with the quantum potential. We suggest
that this contribution to self-energy produces a symmetry breaking of the
Lorentz group, bridging classical electromagnetism and quantum mechanics (article, slides). |
|
2020-09-15 |
Fritz W.
Bopp (Siegen U.) How to Avoid Absolute Determinismin Two Boundary
Quantum Dynamics Arguments for a two boundary
theory are outlined. A quantum statistical effect plays a central role.
Plausible concepts of how in such a theory an approximate causal macroscopic
theory can emerge are presented. A problem with simple implementations of the
two boundary theory is that effective or real willful decisions can not be
added as there is no consecutive macroscopic time ordering of such effective
or real willful decision points. We
present a somewhat drastic but somehow beautiful way to avoid it (article, slides) |
|
2020-09-01 |
Jarek Duda (JU) Maximal Entropy
Random Walk: repairing diffusion-QM disagreement Considering diffusion or chaos in [0,1] range leads to uniform
stationary probability distribution rho=1. In contrast, QM predicts localized
rho~sin^2 there. This disagreement is crucial e.g. for semiconductors –
standard diffusion would predict nearly uniform electron distribution,
allowing them to flow – incorrectly expecting it to be a conductor. In
contrast, QM predicts strong e.g. Anderson localization preventing conductance. Maximal Entropy Random Walk (MERW) allows to understand and repair this
disagreement - turns out that standard random walk often only approximates
the (Jaynes) principle of maximal entropy, which is crucial for statistical
physics models – MERW is the most random among random walk, thanks of it
leading to stationary probability distribution exactly as quantum ground
state – with localization property. In contrast to standard random walk, MERW
is also scale-free, time symmetric and nonlocal. It also has many other
applications (~160 citations). (Wikipedia, article, thesis, conductance simulator, video, slides). |
|
2020-08-18 |
Robert Close (Clark College) Classical Wave Mechanics This is an attempt to describe
elementary particles using classical continuum mechanics. First, a wave
equation is derived for infinitesimal shear waves in an elastic solid. Next,
a change of variables is used to describe the waves in terms of classical spin
angular momentum density, which is the field whose curl is equal to twice the
classical momentum density. The second-order wave equation is then converted
to a first-order Dirac equation. Plane wave solutions are presented, and the
dynamical operators of relativistic quantum mechanics are derived. Wave
interference gives rise to the Pauli exclusion principle and electromagnetic
potentials. (draft, slides,
videos) |
|
2020-08-11 |
Christopher Halcrow (Leeds) Nuclei
as Skyrmions In standard models of nuclear physics,
nuclei are described as point particles with spin and isospin degrees
of freedom. The baryon number (the number of protons plus the number of
neutrons) is conserved in nuclear interactions - this fact is usually
put in “by hand”. In contrast, the Skyrme model describes nuclei as
topological solitons. The baryon number is conserved due to a
topological invariant of the theory while spin and isospin appear as
quantised isometries of the system. This talk is in two parts: first, I will
try and convince you that the Skyrme model is a reasonable model of
nuclear physics. It reproduces several known phenomena: nuclear
clustering, isospin symmetry and rotational bands in energy spectra. I
will then show that the Skyrme model is very different than standard
nuclear models: the notion of position breaks down, the Deuteron is a torus
and novel scatterings can take place. These surprising facts can give
new explanations for some nuclear properties. For instance,
the existence of a toroidal Skyrmion explains the attractive spin-orbit
force in the nucleon-nucleon interaction as shown recently
in arXiv:2007.01304. I will explain this phenomena assuming no
background knowledge of Skyrmions or nuclear physics. (article,
slides) |
|
2020-08-04 |
Krzysztof Pomorski (UC
Dublin) From superfluidity to cosmology and elementary particles (based on
"The
universe in helium droplet" by G. Volovik”) |
|
2020-07-28 |
Jarek Duda (JU) Discussion: are there
experiments proving or disproving time symmetry? Time/CPT symmetry is at heart of many models of physics, like unitary
evolution in quantum mechanics, or Lagrangian formalism we use from classical
mechanics, electromagnetism, up to general relativity and quantum field
theories. However, this symmetry is quite nonintuitive, very difficult to
really accept – mainly due to thermodynamical counterarguments. Let us try to discuss these arguments, especially experiment-based. I
will present some for us to discuss (adding more is welcomed), for example:
Wheeler’s, delayed choice quantum eraser (DCQE), “asking photons where they
have been”, “photonic quantum routers”, Shor algorithm as more sophisticated
DCQE, also: Anderson localization (starting with rho~sin^2 in [0,1]), Born
rule, Bell violation. (slides, video) |
|
2020-07-21 |
Kenneth Wharton (SJSU) Bell's Theorem: Implications and
Misapprehensions Despite the fact that Bell’s Theorem tells us
something profound about our universe, there are still many misapprehensions
about exactly what it means, even among physicists. For example, it is often incorrectly characterized
as disproving hidden variables, or proving action-at-a-distance. Even experts in quantum foundations are
sometimes unaware of subtleties concerning the role of an “arrow of time” in
Bell’s analysis and the possibilities of using retrocausation to model
quantum entanglement in a locally-mediated, spacetime-based framework. This talk will attempt to clarify these and
other issues, detailing an explicit retrocausal model which accounts for
maximally entangled states. (article, slides)
|
|
2020-07-14 |
Arkadiusz Jadczyk (Toulouse, CNRS) Order
out of chaos. Fractals out of qubits. Theory can predict what happens when several
non-commuting observables are being simultaneously measured. The results
of such repetitive measurements are
random and chaotic, but distinct and organized fractal attractors may arise.
We study quantum iterated function systems for a qubit, where measurements
and quantum jumps are implemented by Moebius transformations of the Bloch
sphere. As an example, a quantum fractal resulting from non-commuting
parabolic transformations is discussed in detail. (slides,
book) |
|
2020-07-07 |
Robert Brady (Cambridge) In memoriam: Yves Couder Yves Couder died on 2 April 2019. He
showed how to make droplets of oil bounce on an oil surface, spawning a
renewed interest in the net forces between oscillating systems. Bouncing
droplets are governed by the ordinary equations of Newtonian mechanics, yet
experimentally their motion mimics the known equations of special relativity,
electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. I will show why this is the case, in
an idealised system where the pumping acceleration can be neglected. I will
then briefly discuss my ongoing research in a related system in superfluid
helium, where pumping is superfluous and the predictions may be tested
against experiment. In order to maintain your
interest, and to pay respect to Yves, I will give an interpretation of his
work which is controversial. If his results had been known 100 years ago,
they would probably have changed the debate, from 1905 to 1922, between
Einstein and Lorentz on how to interpret the equations of special relativity.
(slides) |
|
2020-06-30 |
Łukasz Stępień (PUK) This and that on solitons and some their
applications I am going to talk about solitons.
I will remind briefly their history and some fundamental facts from soliton theory. Next,
I will say about one of the important tools for investigation of soliton
equations: Bogomolny (Bogomol’nyi) equations, called also as Bogomolny
decomposition, and I will present also an example - Bogomolny equations in
the so-called baby BPS Skyrme model. Later I will say about a soliton model
of particle. |
|
2020-06-23 |
Jarek Duda (JU) Topological charge
as electric charge – can we get all particles this way? We can repair Gauss law to return only integer charges (as in nature)
by interpreting EM field as curvature of some e.g. vector field, this way
counting winding number (topological charge) using Gauss-Bonnet theorem as
Gauss law (Faber’s model). I will lightly introduce it and would like to
discuss if we could expand it to a field which excitations (e.g. topological)
agree with the entire particle physics, could be effectively described by
something close to the Standard Model. Kind of superfuid biaxial nematic: 3
distinguishable axes in every point (using tensor field instead of molecules)
seems quite promising here. They can form hedgehog configuration with one of
3 axes, getting 3 leptons (as spatial dimensions), trying to align the second
axis for it we cannot do it due to the hairy ball theorem (no naked charges –
leptons need magnetic dipoles), then baryon-like configurations enforcing
some positive charge: needed to be compensated in neutron (hence it is
heavier than proton), charge is shared in deuteron for binding (leading to
observed electric quadrupole moment). (slides, video) |
|
2020-06-16 |
Manfried Faber (TU Wien) Topological
excitations of a scalar SO(3)-theory We discuss a model with only three degrees of freedom in Minkowski
space-time. This model is related to Dirac monopoles, one can see it as a
generalisation of the Sine-Gordon model from 1D to 3D, or a modification of
the Skyrme model. Starting from a Lagrangian, the intention of the model is
to provide a geometrical description of electromagnetic phenomena. The model
has three topological quantum numbers which can be compared to the properties
of charge, spin and photon number. We discuss stable solitonic solutions and
compare them to the properties of electrons and photons. (slides, article) |
|
2020-06-09 |
Ilan Roth (Berkeley) From Braids to
Knots; Topological features in Solar Magnetic Fields – and beyond… The
generally accepted structure of magnetic fields depicts them as field lines
in R3 with curvature, rotation and wiggles, satisfying divB=0.
Their observed configuration allows us to implement the powerful topological
methods, opening a new venue for an interpretation of various solar,
interplanetary and astrophysical phenomena. Direct imaging of the coronal
fields pinpoints to their braiding structure, large solar wind field reversal
(switchback) and intermittent fading of energetic flare ions suggest that
coronal braided field may have been carried by the solar wind. The
interconnection between the mathematical braids and knots is applied to the
topologically non-trivial magnetized structures and their dynamics, from
solar corona and the interplanetary medium to the astrophysical Herbig – Haro
jets. The topological invariants attached to a given knot/braid become the
crucial factor in the evolution and interpretation of the phenomena in space.
The methods involved cover classical as well as analogues of quantum
procedures. The analysis results in conjectures regarding (i) stability of
coronal magnetic loops under large oscillations, (ii) their evolution through
successive emergence/decay of heated magnetic braids, (iii) their morphism
into the solar wind knotty structures and (iv) large scale narrow jets
emitted in star-forming regions. These conjectures may contribute
significantly to the understanding of physical processes in the lab and in
solar/astrophysical medium, particularly in the dynamo produced magnetic
structures as observed by Parker Solar Probe. (some
materials: coronal loop,
magnetic
reconnections, article1, article2, book) |
|
2020-06-02 |
Krzysztof Pomorski (UC Dublin) Review of
book "The universe in helium
droplet" by G. Volovik There are fundamental relations between three vast areas of physics:
particle physics, cosmology, and condensed matter physics. The fundamental
links between the first two areas — in other words, between micro- and
macro-worlds — have been well established. There is a unified system of laws
governing the scales from subatomic particles to the cosmos and this
principle is widely exploited in the description of the physics of the early
universe. This book aims to establish and define the connection of these two
fields with condensed matter physics. According to the modern view, elementary
particles (electrons, neutrinos, quarks, etc.) are excitations of a more
fundamental medium called the quantum vacuum. This is the new ‘aether’ of the
21st century. Electromagnetism, gravity, and the fields transferring weak and
strong interactions all represent different types of the collective motion of
the quantum vacuum. Among the existing condensed matter systems, a quantum
liquid called superfluid 3He-A most closely represents the quantum vacuum.
Its quasiparticles are very similar to the elementary particles, while the
collective modes are analogues of photons and gravitons. The fundamental laws
of physics, such as the laws of relativity (Lorentz invariance) and gauge
invariance, arise when the temperature of the quantum liquid decreases (slides) |
|
2020-05-26 |
Arkadiusz Jadczyk (Toulouse, CNRS) Time of
arrival in quantum theory While all our knowledge of the outside world is based on observation
of events, the standard quantum theory does not have tools allowing us to
model events arising in real time, as in all our experiments. A typical
example are events in a particle cloud chamber. A simple extension of the
quantum theory is proposed that fixes this serious shortcoming. In particular
the new solution to the problem of time of arrival in quantum theory is
presented. It allows for computer simulation of particle counters and it implies
Born's interpretation (slides) |
|
2020-05-19 |
Radosław Kycia (CUT) Cartan Connection
for Schrodinger equation. The nature of vacuum I will present the Schrodinger equation's factorization into the
(elliptic) background and an (evolutionary) part moving on this background.
It is a slightly generalized picture than in the pilot-wave theory. Moreover,
if the Schrodinger equation is interpreted as a continuity equation, then the
Cartan connection appearing in this equation is precisely the background.
Therefore, the equation and the background can be interpreted geometrically.
The vital role in this approach plays the scaling/dilation group of the wave
function. This corresponds to the original idea of Weyl that leads to the
concept of the gauge principle. The
talk is based on arXiv:2004.04622
[math-ph] (slides) |
|
2020-05-12 |
Jarek Duda (JU) Hydrodynamical
analogues of some quantum phenomena As our understanding of quantum mechanics might be not satisfactory, it
could be helpful to search and study more accessible analogues of its
phenomena. Hydrodynamics contains many of them, for example of Casimir and
Aharonov-Bohm effect, and many others with the popular wave-particle duality
“walking droplets”: double slit interference, tunneling, many types of orbit
quantization (including double quantization (radius + angular momentum) and
Zeeman effect), path statistics agreeing with wavefunction. Let us look
closer and discuss applicability of these analogues. (article, slides) |
|
2020-05-05 |
Kenneth Wharton (SJSU) How Time-Symmetry
is compatible with the Second Law: A Discussion All fundamental physics appears to be governed by time-symmetric
laws. (Actually, CPT-symmetric, but
this detail is a red herring.) And yet
our observable universe is dominated by time-asymmetric thermodynamic
behavior. There is a simple but still
widely-misunderstood resolution of this apparent contradiction. I will attempt to briefly sort out this resolution
in various domains (cosmological, computational, etc.), and carefully
identify where causal reasoning does and doesn't belong in our analysis. A
general discussion will follow (article). |
|
2020-04-28 |
Paweł Błasiak (IFJ PAN) Entanglement by identity, or interaction without ever
touching What is interaction and when does
it occur? Intuition suggests that the necessary condition for the interaction
of independently created particles is their direct touch or contact through
physical force carriers. In quantum mechanics, the result of the interaction
is entanglement — the appearance of non-classical correlations in the system.
It seems that quantum theory allows entanglement of independent particles
without any contact. The fundamental identity of particles of the same kind
is responsible for this phenomenon. (article, slides) |
|
2020-04-21 |
Manfried Faber (TU Wien) Violation of Mermin's
version of a Bell inequality in a classical statistical model We investigate a classical statistical model
and show that Mermin's version of a Bell inequality is violated. We get this
violation, if the measurement modifies the ensemble, a feature, which is also
characteristic for measurement processes for quantum systems. (slides) |
|
2020-04-14 |
Bell theorem
discussion, short presentations: Richard Gill - continuation (additional
slides). Jarek Duda: 4 slides: 1)
derivation of Born rule for probability distribution inside Ising sequence,
2) Schrödinger equation from path ensembles, 3) how to use it to violate
Bell-like inequalities, 4) how to save (local realistic) Lagrangian formalism
from conflict with Bell theorem (extended video) |
|
2020-04-06 |
Richard Gill (Leiden Univ.) Some thoughts on
Bell’s theorem and on Bell denialism I think that Bell’s theorem is a
true, simple (easy) mathematical theorem. NB Bell’s inequality(-ies) is (are)
simple lemmas in the proof of the theorem. I have learnt a whole lot more
about the whole complex of mathematical, physical and philosophical issues,
by getting into fights with both respectable established scientists with
non-mainstream views, and with manifest amateur crackpots. This has given me
both mathematical and scientific insights, and insights into human
psychology; it feeds my amateur interests in psychology and metaphysics
(philosophy) and even religion. (slides) |
|
2020-03-30 |
Organizational
meeting, initial discussion: "Can
electrons objectively be in two places at once?" |
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