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

?	Speakers are welcomed
2025-01-11	Jarek Duda (JU): Potential new applications of laser causing deexcitation, like emission coefficient mapping, radiotherapy or 2WQC While naively laser only excites target, it can also cause its deexcitation – as stimulated emission, backward ASE (amplified spontaneous emission), or in Rabi cycle cyclically causing excitation and deexcitation. STED microscopy is a popular application of laser causing deexcitation - I would like to propose and discuss a few more, based on its properties suggested by CPT symmetry. For example, while CT scanner makes 3D maps of absorption coefficient, CPT symmetry suggests how to analogously measure/map emission coefficients, what should have much better transparency. Related medical applications could be causing deexcitation of autoluminescent molecules like NADH, e.g. to starve cancer tissue. It also suggests intuitions for recent ‘negative time observations’. Finally, the original motivation was more symmetric and powerful two-way quantum computers (2WQC), for example with photonic chip between coupled laser resonators. (article, slides, 2WQC, recording)
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 In perturbative QFT we decompose scenarios into Feynman ensemble of diagrams, each of them should correspond to a field configuration - I would like to present and discuss geometric/topological approach to find them, based on liquid crystal Landau-de Gennes model. To enforce charge quantization in Gauss law, we interpret dual F tensor as curvature of a deeper field (Faber’s approach), this way Gauss law counts its topological charge. To prevent infinite energy of singularity in its center, we use Higgs-like potential to regularize it to a finite energy (mass), what leads to short range corrections of Coulomb interaction, in agreement with the running coupling effect (arXiv:2210.13374). Living in 3D, charges appear in 3 families of different mass, resembling 3 leptons. There are also 3 types of vortices resembling color strings - which inward/outward field rotation by pi would correspond to elementary electric (as topological) charge, and fractional rotations to 6 types of quarks, e.g. appearing in quark-antiquark pairs with increased energy between them for confinement. The u quark is preferred energetically due to suggested baryon configuration, explaining why proton is lighter than neutron, also e.g. binding mechanism and electric quadrupole moment of deuteron. Hadronization can be viewed here through reconnections of such high energy color string into various final configurations. Suggested neutrino oscillations through field rotations also seem in agreement: mainly between muon and tau neutrino, with more freedom in PMNS than CKM mixing matrices. (article, intro, slides, recording)
2024-05-25	Mehran Shaghaghi (UIC): Deriving Quantum Formalism from Information Limits in Microscopic Systems While the standard postulates of quantum mechanics successfully predict a wide range of phenomena, their physical underpinnings remain elusive. In this presentation, I derive the standard formalism of quantum theory—Born’s rule, Hilbert space formalism, and Schrödinger equation—from the limitations of information accessibility in microscopic systems. I demonstrate that information-theoretic constraints imposed on microscopic systems with a single variable lead directly to their inherent probabilistic behavior under different measurement scenarios. This limitation, combined with the conservation of probability, is utilized to derive Born's probability rule, the Hilbert space formalism, and ultimately, the Schrödinger equation governing the dynamics of these systems. Furthermore, I establish a connection between these single-variable systems and traditional quantum systems. I show that coherence, essential for observing quantum phenomena, restricts the number of independent variables in a coherent beam to just one, thereby supporting the connection between our framework and established quantum phenomena. This work suggests that quantum phenomena may emerge from the fundamental limitations of information accessibility. It offers a new perspective on the foundations of quantum theory and opens new avenues for further exploration. (article)
2024-04-06	Zitterbewegung mini-conference (abstracts+answers, video recording ) to discuss fundamental questions e.g.: Periodic process of what? How to combine it with charge, dipole, magnetic angular momentum of electron? 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? Does pilot wave have energy density? How large? Is it essential e.g. for dark matter/energy? Does electron spin precess itself? (without stimulation like magnetic field in Larmor) Schedule: 16:00 Jarek Duda, Topological soliton electron model with zitterbewegung including propulsion mechanism 16:30 Álvaro G. López, Zitterbewegung as a self-oscillation 17:00 Marc J. Fleury, Relativistic Zitter Simulation + comments on Guanère 17:30 Andras Kovacs, The Zitterbewegung models of the electron and proton - calculation of particle masses, magnetic moments, and relativistic contraction 18:00 David Darrow, Revisiting de Broglie’s double solution with a Lorentz-covariant Lagrangian framework 18:30 Anton Vrba, Matter waves:  From the wave equation to particle wave duality to zitterfelder Then open discussion.
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 This presentation expands on the work of Williamson and van der Mark, that electrons were photons of the appropriate energy making two revolutions per wavelength. It uses only three space dimensions and time, as well as known physical properties and constants. It shows how that structure gives all particles such properties as mass, dimensions, the physical relationship between energy and mass given by E = mc2 and the special relativity corrections with velocity. It introduces a fourth correction. It also shows the physical origins of charge, magnetic moment, spin half-hbar, spin superposition, intrinsic spin hbar, zitterbewegung, the particle’s de Broglie wavelength of particles, and similar, as appropriate. (article, video, recording)
2023-02-25	Anton Vrba, Particles as Maxwellian Solitons This talk shows that EM-field waves can travel on closed and curved 3-dimensional paths and proposes EM-potential and EM-flux waves. The new insight developed here could provide a tool box to envision Maxwellian solitons, a possible aid to further the understanding of particles. The talk presents the proof that the simultaneous vector cross product equations { E = u × B; u = (B×E)/∥B∥^2; B= ( E×u)/∥u∥^2} --- (1) are a powerful reformulation of the Maxwell equations in vacuum, if u , B and E are functions of time only. The velocity vector u can now describes EM-waves in 1D (radio waves and photons), 2D and 3-dimensions (particles). The fundamental nature of (1) is demonstrated by a purely mathematical derivation for ϵ _0 and μ_0, in terms of e and h. Leveraging (1) to describe flux-waves requires the equivalent expressions for ϵ_f and μ_f,  and after deriving these the Planck energy equivalence E=hf emerges from (1). The solutions to (1) set in flux are easily quantifiable; for the 3D-wave the following are identifiable: up/down, spin on two axes, charge polarity, and path closure 2nπ, with n an integer and OAM for photons.  The proposed description for particles is congruent to the Bohm ˗de Broglie interpretation of quantum mechanics and a nonlocal hidden variable; this is discussed too. (slides, article1, article2, recording)
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 Dirac's theory has been the "gold standard" of relativistic quantum mechanics (RQM) for more than ninety years. During that time the quantum mechanics used in the imagining and engineering of quantum devices has been in the realm of, almost exclusively, the non-relativistic Schrödinger theory using complex wave-functions. The merely complex is, however, too simple to properly represent covariant, relativistic wave-functions. Furthermore, the merely complex cannot properly represent intrinsic relativistic quantum properties such as the intrinsic spin. If one does not have the proper theory, the internal behaviour of the elementary particles, their mutual inter-actions, and the very quantum properties of collective quantum systems, such as high-temperature superconductors, cannot be properly thought about at all. The new theory presented here aims to rectify those deficiencies: it treats the elementary particle masses in a fundamentally different way to Dirac, incorporating them as a pair of elements within a hypercomplex algebra including both the complex algebra, and the quaternion algebra as sub-algebras. This allows a simpler, and even more beautiful equation than the Dirac or Maxwell equations to be written down, which yet contains them both. This equation may be written simply as dG=C, where "d" is a relativistic space-time derivative, "G" is a sixteen component multi-vector, and "C" is a sixteen component array of real constants, most of which are zero.The new theory opens up new vistas, new thinking, and new connections. It provides an underlying basis to the theory of Quantum ElectroDynamics, encompasses the Newton, Maxwell and Einstein, and removes all of the outstanding problems in RQM. The talk will focus on answering the list of questions posed by the group (repeated below), as well as a set of further fundamental questions, including the origin of the g-2 term in the theory. This will include the nature of the "generations" of particles in the standard model. It is argued that the addition of this new element to the "standard model" will allow one to promote to a "standard theory" fit for progressing the new challenges of the 21st century. (materials, recording)
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)? Where does the Coulomb interaction come from? How to prevent infinites e.g. of electric field of point charge? Spin, magnetic dipole, angular momentum, zitterbewegung/clock of electron? Why do we have 3 leptons? Where does their difference come from? What are neutrinos, baryons, mesons, strangeness? Why proton is lighter than neutron? Deuteron than n+p? What holds nuclei together against Coulomb? Neutrons in halo nuclei? How to get gravity, Newton force for particles? Are all types of mass equal? Why does the model behave quantum mechanically? How to explain Bell violation? What photon is? What prevents its dissipation? What is its energy distribution? Schedule: 16:00 Donald Chang, Modelling the quantum vacuum as a dielectric medium based on the Maxwell theory 16:20 John Macken, The wave-based model of the universe 16:40 Alexander Burinskii, Gravitating electron formed by Kerr-Newman black hole solution (article) 17:00 Manfried Faber, A geometric model in 3+1D space-time for electrodynamic phenomena (article) 17:20 Jarek Duda, Exploring resemblance between liquid crystal topological defects and particle physics (materials) 17:40 Samo Kralj, Conserved quantities characterizing line defects in nematic liquid crystals (article) 18:00 Chantal Roth, Visualizations of spin ½ (materials) 18:20 Robert Close, Elastic Solid Model of the Universe (materials) Then discussion focused on the above questions.
2022-12-08	Jarek Duda (Jagiellonian University): Topological defects with electromagnetic + gravitomagnetic interactions Classical electromagnetism has two weaknesses: Gauss law allows for non-integer charges, and infinite energy of electric field of a charge. I will start with Faber's model repairing both: defining electric field as curvature of a deeper vector field Gauss law counts topological charge which is quantized, Higgs-like potential deforms the field to finite energy, also getting tiny Coulomb corrections in agreement with the running coupling effect. Then I will discuss its Landau-de Gennes-like extension to field of 3x3 matrices, among others adding low energetic O(1) degree of freedom resembling quantum phase, governed by Klein-Gordon-like dynamics. Finally extending to 4D tensor field adds dynamics governed by second set of Maxwell equations as in gravitoelectromagnetic approximation of the general relativity. (slides, materials, video, introduction)
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? There is a basic question of what stationary probability distribution should we expect, e.g. for [0,1] range: standard uniform rho=1, or maybe quantum rho~sin^2? Experiments show that, at least for electrons and neutrons, we should use the latter - bringing difficult open question where is the classical-quantum boundary? We will discuss Maximal Entropy Random Walk (MERW)-based diffusions, allowing to understand and repair inconsistency between predictions of these two approaches. While standard diffusion turns out to only approximate the (Jaynes) maximal entropy principle, MERW really maximizes it – leading to stationary probability distribution exactly as quantum ground state, with Anderson-like localization. Including mean-field self-interaction between electrons, there was obtained proper asymmetric non-linear Ohm law for model of semiconductor p-n junction (diode) — with conductance easy only in one direction. (article, slides, simulator, MERW Wikipedia, MERW introduction)
2022-06-09	Marian Kowalski (Ontario Tech University) The semi-classical, quantum and EM process of photon emission by the H atom Light emitted from atoms during transitions of electrons from higher to lower discrete states has the form of photons carrying energy and angular momentum. The paper considers the process of emission of a single photon from the hydrogen atom by using quantum theory and Maxwell's equations. The electric and magnetic fields of a photon arise from the time-dependent quantum probability densities of the orbit and the spin current. This paper is an extension of the semi-classical description of photon emission published by the author earlier in 1999. In the semi-classical approach the Coulomb force and a radiation resistance force have been taken into account to get time dependent emission of the photon. In both the quantum and semi-classical cases the transition takes place within a time interval equal to one period of the photon's wave. The creation of a one-wavelength-long photon is supported by the results of experiments using ultra-fast (ultra-short) laser pulses to generate excited atoms, which emit light pulses shorter than two photon wavelengths (article)
2022-05-12	Ruth Kastner (UMD) The Relativistic Transactional Formulation of Quantum Theory I provide an overview of the transactional formulation of quantum theory, including its recently developed relativistic features. In this formulation, the basic field interaction is time symmetric, corresponding to virtual photons. This interaction is an unmediated, direct connection between charges, which challenges our usual preference for locality. However, the interaction can be elevated, via a form of temporal symmetry breaking, to the local, causal transfer of a real photon from an emitter to an absorber. This constitutes a microscopic basis for the emergence of an arrow of time. The model also yields a well-defined account of quantum measurement. (book, article)
2022-04-28	Manfried Faber (TU Wien) From soft Dirac monopoles to the Dirac equation In the model of topological particles we have four types of topologically stable dual Dirac monopoles with soft core and finite mass. We discuss the steps how to geta Dirac equation for these particles. We show especially that we arrive at the Dirac equation in the limit, where the soft solitons approach singular dual Dirac monopoles (aritcle1, article2, slides).
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. Interestingly, the proposed model predicts the precession of the spin vector about a static magnetic field, and most remarkably it suggests that the mismatch between the spin precession frequency ws and the cyclotron frequency wc –which is at the origin of the famous anomalous magnetic moment – is a manifestation of the electromagnetic self-energy. The time-crystal model pr edicts that the difference between ws and wc results in an axial oscillatory motion, which is consistent with the experiment typically used to measure the anomalous magnetic moment. (article)
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 Gravitomagnetic equations result from applying quaternionic differential operators to the energy–momentum tensor. These equations are similar to the Maxwell’s EM equations. Both sets of the equations are isomorphic after changing orientation of either the gravitomagnetic orbital force or the magnetic induction. The gravitomagnetic equations turn out to be parent equations generating the following set of equations: (a) the vorticity equation giving solutions of vortices with nonzero vortex cores and with infinite lifetime; (b) the Hamilton–Jacobi equation loaded by the quantum potential. This equation in pair with the continuity equation leads to getting the Schrödinger equation describing a state of the superfluid quantum medium (a modern version of the old ether); (c) gravitomagnetic wave equations loaded by forces acting on the outer space. These waves obey to the Planck’s law of radiation. (article, slides)
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 We demonstrate that classical local field theories can violate Bell’s theorem. To this end, we 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”) There are fundamental relations between three vast areas of physics: particle physics, cosmology, and condensed matter physics.  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 ^3He A–B interface provides an unprecedented type of superfluid boundary between two degenerate macroscopically coherent quantum systems which display different broken symmetries and rich family of topological defects. (slides)
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 R^3 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?"