The Greatest Mystery in Physics
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Dear Fellow Quantum Mechanics;
Dear Fellow Quantum Mechanics Jeremy Bernstein Abstract: This is a letter of inquiry about the nature of quantum mechanics. I have been reflecting on the sociology of our little group and as is my wont here are a few notes. I see our community divided up into various subgroups. I will try to describe them beginning with a small group of elderly but distinguished physicist who either believe that there is no problem with the quantum theory and that the young are wasting their time or that there is a problem and that they have solved it. In the former category is Rudolf Peierls and in the latter Phil Anderson. I will begin with Peierls. In the January 1991 issue of Physics World Peierls published a paper entitled “In defence of ‘measurement’”. It was one of the last papers he wrote. It was in response to his former pupil John Bell’s essay “Against measurement” which he had published in the same journal in August of 1990. Bell, who had died before Peierls’ paper was published, had tried to explain some of the difficulties of quantum mechanics. Peierls would have none of it.” But I do not agree with John Bell,” he wrote,” that these problems are very difficult. I think it is easy to give an acceptable account…” In the rest of his short paper this is what he sets out to do. He begins, “In my view the most fundamental statement of quantum mechanics is that the wave function or more generally the density matrix represents our knowledge of the system we are trying to describe.” Of course the wave function collapses when this knowledge is altered. -
Concerning Stephen Hawking's Claim That Philosophy Is Dead1
Filozofski vestnik | Volume XXXIII | Number 2 | 2012 | 11–22 Graham Harman* Concerning Stephen Hawking’s Claim that Philosophy is Dead1 The relations at present between philosophy and the sciences are not especially good. Let’s begin with Stephen Hawking’s famous words at the May 2011 Google Zeitgeist conference in England:1 […] almost all of us must sometimes wonder: Why are we here? Where do we come from? Traditionally, these are questions for philosophy, but philosophy is dead. Philosophers have not kept up with modern developments in science. Particularly physics. Scientists have become the bearers of the torch of discovery in our quest for knowledge.2 According to Hawking, philosophy is dead. Others are more generous and claim only that philosophy will be dead in the near future, and only partly dead. For example, brain researcher Wolf Singer tells us that he is interested in philoso- phy for two reasons: !rst because “progress in neurobiology will provide some answers to the classic questions in philosophy,” and second because “progress in the neurosciences raises a large number of new ethical problems, and these need to be addressed not only by neurobiologists but also by representatives of the humanities.”3 In other words, Singer is interested in philosophy as a poten- tial takeover target for the neurosciences, though he reassures us that philoso- phers should not fear this ambition, since Singer still needs ethics panels that will “also” include representatives of the humanities alongside neurobiologists. 11 Having escaped its medieval status as the handmaid of theology, philosophy will enter a new era as the ethical handmaid of the hard sciences. -
Multi-Dimensional Entanglement Transport Through Single-Mode Fibre
Multi-dimensional entanglement transport through single-mode fibre Jun Liu,1, ∗ Isaac Nape,2, ∗ Qianke Wang,1 Adam Vall´es,2 Jian Wang,1 and Andrew Forbes2 1Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China. 2School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa (Dated: April 8, 2019) The global quantum network requires the distribution of entangled states over long distances, with significant advances already demonstrated using entangled polarisation states, reaching approxi- mately 1200 km in free space and 100 km in optical fibre. Packing more information into each photon requires Hilbert spaces with higher dimensionality, for example, that of spatial modes of light. However spatial mode entanglement transport requires custom multimode fibre and is lim- ited by decoherence induced mode coupling. Here we transport multi-dimensional entangled states down conventional single-mode fibre (SMF). We achieve this by entangling the spin-orbit degrees of freedom of a bi-photon pair, passing the polarisation (spin) photon down the SMF while ac- cessing multi-dimensional orbital angular momentum (orbital) subspaces with the other. We show high fidelity hybrid entanglement preservation down 250 m of SMF across multiple 2 × 2 dimen- sions, demonstrating quantum key distribution protocols, quantum state tomographies and quantum erasers. This work offers an alternative approach to spatial mode entanglement transport that fa- cilitates deployment in legacy networks across conventional fibre. Entanglement is an intriguing aspect of quantum me- chanics with well-known quantum paradoxes such as those of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) [1], Hardy [2], and Leggett [3]. -
6 8 Myriam Sarachik Elected APS Vice President
November 2000 NEWS Volume 9, No. 10 A Publication of The American Physical Society http://www.aps.org/apsnews Myriam Sarachik Elected APS Vice President Members of the APS have chosen Sciences Research at Lucent. Only and government labs, and to pro- Myriam Sarachik, a distinguished two new general councillors were vide the next generation of professor of physics at City College elected, compared to the four educators at our universities,” she of New York’s City University of New elected in previous years, to reflect says. One of her goals as President York, to be the Society’s next vice recent changes in the APS Consti- will be to strengthen the society’s president. Sarachik is the third tution, designed to reduce the size efforts to make a career in physics woman to be elected to the presi- of the APS Council. These changes attractive. “We need to be more ef- dential line in the Society’s 101-year were published in the March 2000 fective in explaining the pleasures history, following C.S. Wu of Colum- issue of APS News. that a career in physics can bring, bia in 1975, and Mildred the satisfaction garnered from VICE PRESIDENT CHAIR-ELECT OF THE Dresselhaus of MIT (who became VICE PRESIDENT teaching, and the excitement of re- Myriam Sarachik NOMINATING COMMITTEE Director of the Department of MYRIAM SARACHIK search and discovery; we must also Susan Coppersmith Energy’s Office of Science in August) City College of New York/CUNY have salaries competitive with other in 1984. Sarachik’s term begins Born in Antwerp, Belgium, professional options,” she says. -
On Monte Carlo Time-Dependent Variational Principles
On Monte Carlo Time-Dependent Variational Principles Von der QUEST-Leibniz-Forschungsschule der Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universit¨atHannover zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades Doktor der Naturwissenschaften { Doctor rerum naturalium { genehmigte Dissertation von FABIANWOLFGANGG UNTERTRANSCHEL¨ Geboren am 10.01.1987 in Gehrden 2016 0 Erstpr¨ufer : Prof. Dr. Reinhard F. Werner Zweitpr¨ufer : Prof. Dr. Klemens Hammerer Beratendes Mitglied des Pr¨ufungsausschusses : Prof. Dr. Tobias J. Osborne Vorsitzender des Pr¨ufungsausschusses : Prof. Dr. Rolf Haug Tag der Promotion: 17. Dezember 2015 On Monte Carlo Time-Dependent Variational Principles Fabian W. G. Transchel Abstract The present dissertation is concerned with the development and implementation of a novel scheme for quantitative, numeric approximation of the dynamics of quantum lattice systems based on the Time-Dependent Variational Principle together with Monte Carlo techniques in order to include dissipative interactions. The specific implementation is demonstrated on both common and not yet in-detail explored Heisenberg- and Fermi-Hubbard models in one and two dimensions. Additionally, the technical requirements regarding computational complexity and capacity are discussed, especially with regards toward parallelizable components of the imple- mentation. Concluding remarks include prospects with respect to application and extension of the presented methods. Keywords: Monte Carlo method, Dissipative Dynamics, Lindblad Equation iii Zusammenfassung Die vorliegende Dissertation befasst sich mit der Entwicklung und Umsetzung eines neuartigen Schemas zur quantitativen numerischen N¨aherung der Dynamik von Quantengittersystemen auf Grundlage des zeitabh¨angigenVariationsprinzips unter Zuhilfenahme von Monte-Carlo-Techniken zur Einbeziehung von dissipativen Wech- selwirkungen. Die Implementierung wird anhand von Beispielen f¨urHeisenberg- und Fermi-Hubbard-Modellen in einer und zwei Dimensionen gezeigt und erl¨autert. -
Toward a New Science of Information
Data Science Journal, Volume 6, Supplement, 7 April 2007 TOWARD A NEW SCIENCE OF INFORMATION D Doucette1*, R Bichler 2, W Hofkirchner2, and C Raffl2 *1 The Science of Information Institute, 1737 Q Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009, USA Email: [email protected] 2 ICT&S Center, University of Salzburg - Center for Advanced Studies and Research in Information and Communication Technologies & Society, Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse 18, 5020 Salzburg, Austria Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] ABSTRACT The concept of information has become a crucial topic in several emerging scientific disciplines, as well as in organizations, in companies and in everyday life. Hence it is legitimate to speak of the so-called information society; but a scientific understanding of the Information Age has not had time to develop. Following this evolution we face the need of a new transdisciplinary understanding of information, encompassing many academic disciplines and new fields of interest. Therefore a Science of Information is required. The goal of this paper is to discuss the aims, the scope, and the tools of a Science of Information. Furthermore we describe the new Science of Information Institute (SOII), which will be established as an international and transdisciplinary organization that takes into consideration a larger perspective of information. Keywords: Information, Science of Information, Information Society, Transdisciplinarity, Science of Information Institute (SOII), Foundations of Information Science (FIS) 1 INTRODUCTION Information is emerging as a new and large prospective area of study. The notion of information has become a crucial topic in several emerging scientific disciplines such as Philosophy of Information, Quantum Information, Bioinformatics and Biosemiotics, Theory of Mind, Systems Theory, Internet Research, and many more. -
Scientific Report for the Year 2000
The Erwin Schr¨odinger International Boltzmanngasse 9 ESI Institute for Mathematical Physics A-1090 Wien, Austria Scientific Report for the Year 2000 Vienna, ESI-Report 2000 March 1, 2001 Supported by Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture, Austria ESI–Report 2000 ERWIN SCHRODINGER¨ INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS, SCIENTIFIC REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2000 ESI, Boltzmanngasse 9, A-1090 Wien, Austria March 1, 2001 Honorary President: Walter Thirring, Tel. +43-1-4277-51516. President: Jakob Yngvason: +43-1-4277-51506. [email protected] Director: Peter W. Michor: +43-1-3172047-16. [email protected] Director: Klaus Schmidt: +43-1-3172047-14. [email protected] Administration: Ulrike Fischer, Eva Kissler, Ursula Sagmeister: +43-1-3172047-12, [email protected] Computer group: Andreas Cap, Gerald Teschl, Hermann Schichl. International Scientific Advisory board: Jean-Pierre Bourguignon (IHES), Giovanni Gallavotti (Roma), Krzysztof Gawedzki (IHES), Vaughan F.R. Jones (Berkeley), Viktor Kac (MIT), Elliott Lieb (Princeton), Harald Grosse (Vienna), Harald Niederreiter (Vienna), ESI preprints are available via ‘anonymous ftp’ or ‘gopher’: FTP.ESI.AC.AT and via the URL: http://www.esi.ac.at. Table of contents General remarks . 2 Winter School in Geometry and Physics . 2 Wolfgang Pauli und die Physik des 20. Jahrhunderts . 3 Summer Session Seminar Sophus Lie . 3 PROGRAMS IN 2000 . 4 Duality, String Theory, and M-theory . 4 Confinement . 5 Representation theory . 7 Algebraic Groups, Invariant Theory, and Applications . 7 Quantum Measurement and Information . 9 CONTINUATION OF PROGRAMS FROM 1999 and earlier . 10 List of Preprints in 2000 . 13 List of seminars and colloquia outside of conferences . -
Report to Industry Canada
Report to Industry Canada 2013/14 Annual Report and Final Report for 2008-2014 Granting Period Institute for Quantum Computing University of Waterloo June 2014 1 CONTENTS From the Executive Director 3 Executive Summary 5 The Institute for Quantum Computing 8 Strategic Objectives 9 2008-2014 Overview 10 2013/14 Annual Report Highlights 23 Conducting Research in Quantum Information 23 Recruiting New Researchers 32 Collaborating with Other Researchers 35 Building, Facilities & Laboratory Support 43 Become a Magnet for Highly Qualified Personnel in the Field of Quantum Information 48 Establishing IQC as the Authoritative Source of Insight, Analysis and Commentary on Quantum Information 58 Communications and Outreach 62 Administrative and Technical Support 69 Risk Assessment & Mitigation Strategies 70 Appendix 73 2 From the Executive Director The next great technological revolution – the quantum age “There is a second quantum revolution coming – which will be responsible for most of the key physical technological advances for the 21st Century.” Gerard J. Milburn, Director, Centre for Engineered Quantum Systems, University of Queensland - 2002 There is no doubt now that the next great era in humanity’s history will be the quantum age. IQC was created in 2002 to seize the potential of quantum information science for Canada. IQC’s vision was bold, positioning Canada as a leader in research and providing the necessary infrastructure for Canada to emerge as a quantum industry powerhouse. Today, IQC stands among the top quantum information research institutes in the world. Leaders in all fields of quantum information science come to IQC to participate in our research, share their knowledge and encourage the next generation of scientists to continue on this incredible journey. -
Is There Ontology After Bell's Theorem?
IS THERE ONTOLOGY AFTER BELL'S THEOREM? A Speech given to the Philosophical Club of Cleveland February 14, 1984 By John Heighway 1 IS THERE ONTOLOGY AFTER BELL'S THEOREM? I feel that it’s unfair to use a title containing a generally unfamiliar term, in this case "Bell's Theorem," without promptly giving some explanation. It happens that logic demands a rather lengthy lead-in, so let me quote here, as a sort of "jacket blurb" introduction, the abstract of the excellent review article on Bell's Theorem, by John Clauser and Abner Shimony. Bell's Theorem represents a significant advance in understanding the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics. The theorem shows that essentially all local theories of natural phenomena that are formulated within the framework of realism may be tested using a single experimental arrangement. Moreover, the predictions by these theories must significantly differ from those by quantum mechanics. Experimental results evidently refute the theorem's predictions for these theories and favour those of quantum mechanics. The conclusions are philosophically startling: either one must totally abandon the realistic philosophy of most working scientists, or dramatically revise our concept of space-time. If I were permitted to edit this statement, I would just add the words "or both" to the final sentence. Ontology is a branch of metaphysics dealing with theories of reality or being. Almost all scientists, past and present, have embraced without reservation the theory called realism, which holds that external reality exists and possesses definite properties, altogether independently of whether or not those properties are observed by someone. -
The CCNY Physics Department Newsletter Volume 12 Fall 2019 - Spring 2021
CCNY PHYSICS The CCNY Physics Department Newsletter Volume 12 Fall 2019 - Spring 2021 Features CCNY Physics Club Wins Awards Quantum Computing and CCNY Physics Planetariums in a Pandemic 2 CCNY Physics Department Newsletter Welcome to the 2019-2021 CCNY Physics Department Newsletter. It has been quite a year, but our department has re- mained strong and devoted to both our students and our research programs. We’ve had a newsletter for a number of years, but this year we decided to spruce it up a bit and give all these hardworking faculty, staff, and students a nice record of the past year’s accom- plishements. Going foward, we will be releasing the newsletter in the fall of each year. So, enjoy this issue, and look forward to another in a few months. PHYSICS CLUB REMAINS VIBRANT, WINS AWARDS The CCNY Physics Club bustles with activity whether students are meeting face-to-face on campus, or associat- ing virtually abiding COVID-19 guidelines, and garners awards for their exemplary education and outreach activi- ties. First, the awards! Awards The 2020 Physics Club Execitives: Prof. Franco (Advisor), Michael Gaziani, Jireh Garcia, The Physics Club has recently garnered two major Lisa Chan, Matthew Kubikowski national awards. The Club, a chapter of the Society of is lauded for its vigorous STEM outreach program for un- Physics Students (SPS) received an Outstanding Chap- derprivileged elementary and middle school students. The ter Award from the SPS National Office for 2020. The Chapter runs this outreach program in partnership with designation, given to fewer than 15 percent of all SPS inner city schools and community groups, such as, Ham- chapters at colleges and universities in the United States ilton Grange Middle School, PS 325 Elementary School, and internationally, recognizes the CCNY chapter’s suc- America Scores, the New York Math Academy, the Bridge cessful “Physics Month” activities between October and Golf Foundation and the Eagle Academy of Harlem. -
ABSTRACT on Science and Atheism: Whether Atheistic Belief Is
ABSTRACT On Science and Atheism: Whether Atheistic Belief is Scientifically Motivated Charles L. Jester Director: Gerald Cleaver, Ph.D. The intent of this paper is to explore the motivation behind the rejection of theistic religious faiths by modern atheist scientists, and whether it is justified to claim that this rejection is scientifically motivated. First, a brief background of the development of the contemporary schism between faith and science is given, noting in particular changes in belief amongst the scientific community. Next, an exposition on the motivations for scientists’ convictions concerning God is laid out, followed by an address to the question of whether atheistic scientists reject all properties of God, or only certain of them. Based on analyses of personal statements, statistical data on beliefs, and developments in twentieth-century physics and mathematics, it is concluded that modern scientists who reject theism are not overwhelmingly motivated by science, and that they in fact do not reject all ideas of God. APPROVED BY DIRECTOR OF HONORS THESIS: _____________________________________________________ Dr. Gerald B. Cleaver, Department of Physics APPROVED BY THE HONORS PROGRAM: _____________________________________________________ Dr. Andrew Wisely, Director DATE: ___________________________ ON SCIENCE AND ATHEISM: WHETHER ATHEISTIC BELIEF IS SCIENTIFICALLY MOTIVATED A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Baylor University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Honors Program By Charles L. Jester Waco, Texas -
Annotated Bibliography: Women in Physics, Astronomy, and Related Disciplines
Annotated Bibliography: Women in Physics, Astronomy, and Related Disciplines Abir Am, Pnina and Dorinda Outram, eds. Uneasy Careers and Intimate Lives: Women in Science, 1787-1979. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1987. Abir Am and Outram’s volume includes a collection of essays about women in science that highlight the intersection of personal and professional spheres. All of the articles argue that the careers of women scientists are influenced by their family lives and that their family lives are impacted because of their scientific careers. This text is significant in two ways: first, it is one of the earliest examples of scholarship that moves beyond the recovering women in science, but placing them in the context of their home and work environments. Second, it suggests that historians of science can no longer ignore the private lives of their historical subjects. This volume contains four articles relating to women in physics and astronomy: Marilyn Bailey Ogilvie’s “Marital Collaboration: An Approach to Science” (pages 104-125), Sally Gregory Kohlstedt’s “Maria Mitchell and the Advancement of Women in Science” (pages 129-146), Helena M. Pycior’s “Marie Curie’s ‘Anti-Natural Path’: Time Only for Science and Family” (pages 191-215), and Peggy Kidwell’s “Cecelia Payne-Gaposchkin: Astronomy in the Family” (pages 216-238). As a unit, the articles would constitute and interesting lesson on personal and professional influences. Individually, the articles could be incorporated into lessons on a single scientist, offering a new perspective on their activities at work and at home. It complements Pycior, Slack, and Abir Am’s Creative Couples in the Sciences and Lykknes, Opitz, and Van Tiggelen’s For Better of For Worse: Collaborative Couples in the Sciences, which also look at the intersection of the personal and professional.