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C. L. Herzenberg

Publications and source records attributed to C. L. Herzenberg.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2011

Could Planck level physics be driving classical macroscopic physics through a random walk?

We examine a very simple conceptual model of stochastic behavior based on a random walk process in velocity space. For objects engaged in classical non-relativistic velocities, this leads under asymmetric conditions to acceleration processes that resemble the behavior of objects subject to Newton's second law, and in three dimensional space, acceleration dependent on an inverse square law emerges. Thus, a non-relativistic random walk would appear to be capable of describing certain prominent features of classical physics; however, this classical behavior appears to be able to take place only for objects with mass exceeding a threshold value which we identify with the Planck mass. Under these circumstances, stochastic space-time displacements would be smaller than the Planck length and the Planck time so that such classically behaved objects would be effectively localized. Lower mass objects exhibit more rapid diffusion and less localization, and a relativistic random walk would seem to be required of objects having masses comparable to and smaller than the threshold mass value. Results suggest the possibility of an intrinsic quantum-classical transition in the microgram mass range.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2011

Mass and the creation of spatial volume

The distortion of space by the presence of mass in general relativity appears to be capable of increasing three dimensional spatial volume. We examine excess volume effects associated with an isolated mass described by the Schwarzschild solution to the field equations. Fractional differential excess spatial volume in the vicinity of a mass is shown to be a direct measure of gravitational potential which can be easily visualized. The total amount of excess spatial volume associated with an isolated mass is evaluated and shown to be appreciable. Summing over the excess spatial volume contributions from individual masses present throughout the universe leads to an overall excess spatial volume comparable in magnitude to the volume of the observable universe. Interpretations of these results are discussed, including the possibility that this excess volume might contribute to clarifying the issue of missing matter in the contemporary universe. Alternatively, it is proposed speculatively that mass, rather than simply distorting preexisting space, might actually create it.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2010

Localization of quantum objects in an expanding universe and cosmologically induced classicality

Independent studies by different authors have proposed that classicality may be induced in quantum objects by cosmological constraints presented by an expanding universe of finite extent in space-time. Cosmological effects on a quantum system can be explored in one approach by considering an object at rest in space with a universal Hubble expansion taking place away from it, and developing a Schroedinger type governing differential equation incorporating an intrinsic expansion speed. Wave function solutions to this governing equation exhibit pronounced central localization. The extent of concentration of probability depends on mass; objects with small masses tend to behave in a delocalized manner as ordinary quantum objects do in a static space, while quantum objects with large masses are concentrated into much smaller regions. To develop a criterion for classicality, we consider that if the size of the localized region of concentrated probability density is larger than the size of the corresponding extended object, then quantum behavior could be expected; whereas if the region of high probability density for the location of the center of mass is smaller than the size of the object, the object would behave in a more classical manner. The resultant size threshold for classicality accords with results of other studies examining these issues based on uncertainty relations and wave packets. This size threshold is informative for the case of compact extended objects and, as the constraint applies to the center of mass of the system, does not lead to inconsistencies for quantum correlations between distant entangled quantum objects. While local decoherence may lead to classicality under a variety of conditions, cosmologically induced classicality would appear to cause fundamental limitations on quantum behavior in our universe.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2010

Holographic position uncertainty and the quantum-classical transition

Arguments based on general principles of quantum mechanics have suggested that a minimum length associated with Planck-scale unification may in the context of the holographic principle entail a new kind of observable uncertainty in the transverse position of macroscopically separated objects. Here, we address potential implications of such a position uncertainty for establishing an additional threshold between quantum and classical behavior.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2009

Is a recently proposed experiment to demonstrate quantum behavior for optically levitated nanospheres feasible?

A recently proposed experiment considers the possibility of reaching regimes where quantum behavior might be observed in nanomechanical systems. This proposed experiment is examined here for feasibility on the basis of results of earlier studies identifying a boundary separating obligatory classical behavior from quantum behavior based on effects dependent on large scale properties of the universe. Calculations indicate that cosmologically induced effects leading to a quantum to classical transition will not interfere with the proposed experiment at the level at which it is described. Thus, this experiment may be expected to be able to succeed for the case of nanomechanical systems such as the 50 nanometer radius spheres under consideration; however, the success of similar experiments for larger micro scale systems may be ruled out.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2009

Will recently proposed experiments be able to demonstrate quantum behavior of entire living organisms?

Recently proposed experiments consider creating and observing the quantum superposition of small living organisms. Those proposed experiments are examined here for feasibility on the basis of results of earlier studies identifying a boundary separating obligatory classical behavior from quantum behavior. It appears that the proposed experiments may be expected to succeed for the case of viruses, but most probably fail for the case of the appreciably larger organisms that are also considered.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2009

Can the expansion of the universe localize quantum wave functions? How classical behavior may result from Hubble expansion

We consider an object at rest in space with a universal Hubble expansion taking place away from it. We find that a governing differential equation developed from the Schroedinger equation leads to wave functions which turn out to exhibit pronounced central localization. The extent of concentration of probability depends on the mass; objects with small masses tend to behave in a delocalized manner as ordinary quantum objects do in a static space, while quantum objects with large masses have wave functions that are largely concentrated into much smaller regions. This in turn suggests the possibility that classical behavior is being induced in quantum objects by the presence of the Hubble expansion. If the size of the localized region of concentrated probability density is larger than the size of the corresponding extended object, quantum behavior might be expected; whereas classical behavior might be expected for cases in which the region of high probability density is smaller than the size of the object. The resulting quantum-classical boundary due to Hubble expansion may be expressed in terms of a relationship between the size and mass of an object, or may be expressed in terms of a threshold moment of inertia.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2009

The quantum-classical boundary and the moments of inertia of physical objects

During the last few years, several studies have proposed the existence of a threshold separating classical from quantum behavior of objects that is dependent on the size and mass of an object as well as being dependent on certain properties usually associated with the universe as a whole. Here, we reexamine the results of these studies and recast the threshold criteria in terms of a critical threshold value for the moments of inertia of physical objects. Physical objects having moments of inertia above this critical threshold value would be expected to behave necessarily in a classical manner in terms of their center of mass motion as entire objects, while physical objects having moments of inertia lower than this threshold value could exhibit quantum behavior unless brought into classicality by other effects. A comparison with observed values of moments of inertia is presented, and the moment of inertia is suggested as a classifying parameter for examination of the quantum versus classical behavior of objects in the mesoscale domain.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2008

Grete Hermann: An early contributor to quantum theory

The life and accomplishments of Grete Hermann are described. During the early twentieth century, she worked in physics, mathematics, philosophy and education. Her most notable accomplishments in physics were in the interpretation of quantum theory.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2008

Particle and Wave: Developing the Quantum Wave Accompanying a Classical Particle

The relationship between classical and quantum mechanics is explored in an intuitive manner by the exercise of constructing a wave in association with a classical particle. Using special relativity, the time coordinate in the frame of reference of a moving particle is expressed in terms of the coordinates in the laboratory frame of reference in order to provide an initial spatiotemporal function to work from in initiating the development of a quantum wave. When temporal periodicity is ascribed to the particle, a provisional spatiotemporal function for a particle travelling at constant velocity manifests itself as an running wave characterized by parameters associated with the moving particle. A wave description for bidirectional motion is generated based on an average time coordinate for a combination of oppositely directed elementary running waves, and the resulting spatiotemporal function exhibits wave behavior characteristic of a standing wave. Ascribing directional orientation to the intrinsic periodicity of the particle introduces directional sub-states; variations in the relative number of sub-states as a function of angle in combined states lead to spatially varying magnitudes for the associated waves. Further analysis leads to full mathematical expression for all waves representing free particle motion. A generalization for particles subject to force fields enables us to develop a governing differential equation identical in form to the Schroedinger equation.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2007

How do black holes move, as quantum objects or as classical objects?

Results of a recent study of the transition between quantum and classical behavior are applied to black holes. The study led to a criterion separating quantum from classical behavior on the basis of mass or size, dependent on local effects of cosmic expansion. Application of this criterion to black holes indicates that the motion of smaller black holes will be characteristically quantum mechanical, while the motion of larger black holes must be classical, with a threshold distinguishing these behaviors at a Schwartzschild radius of roughly the size of a nucleon.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2007

The Quantum-Classical Transition and Wave Packet Dispersion

Two recent studies have presented new information relevant to the transition from quantum behavior to classical behavior, and related this to parameters characterizing the universe as a whole. The present study based on a separate approach has developed similar results that appear to substantiate aspects of earlier work and also to introduce further new ideas.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2007

Why our human-sized world behaves classically, not quantum-mechanically: A popular non-technical exposition of a new idea

This article provides a popular, largely non-technical explanation of how large objects can behave classically while smaller objects behave quantum mechanically, based on the effect of the presence of cosmic expansion velocities in extended objects. This article is intended to provide a more accessible presentation of concepts introduced in earlier papers that address this long-standing enigma in physics.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2006

A New Basis for Interpretation of the Planck Length

A critical length has recently been identified that appears to provide a fundamental limit distinguishing quantum behavior from classical behavior. Because of the unique association between critical length and mass, it appears that we can correlate the mass of an object with the size over which its quantum behavior is manifested. When the expression for the critical length is set equal to the Planck length, we find an associated mass value that in magnitude corresponds to an approximation of the mass of the visible universe. This would appear to suggest that the quantum behavior associated with the universe as a whole would be manifested at distances comparable to or smaller than the Planck length. Accordingly, it would appear that all position measurements would be subject to uncertainties at the limit of the Planck length, so that the Planck length sets a fundamental limit on position determination.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2006

Interpretation of cosmological expansion effects on the quantum-classical transition

Recently, what appears to be a fundamental limit associated with the size of an object that separates the quantum behavior characterizing small objects from the classical behavior characterizing large objects has been derived from the Hubble velocity spread in an extended object. This threshold is now examined further and interpreted in terms of diffusion processes in stochastic quantum mechanics. This limiting size that separates quantum behavior from classical behavior is shown to correspond approximately to the diffusion distance of the object over the Hubble time.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2006

A possible cosmological effect on the quantum-to-classical transition

Although cosmic expansion at very small distances is usually dismissed as entirely inconsequential, these extraordinarily small effects may in fact have a real and significant influence on our world. A calculation suggests that the minute recessional velocities associated with regions encompassed by extended bodies may have a role in creating the distinction between quantum and classical behavior. Using the criterion that the uncertainty in position should be smaller than the size of an object together with estimates based on the range of Hubble velocities extending through the object lead to a threshold size that could provide a fundamental limit distinguishing the realm of objects governed by classical laws from those governed by quantum mechanics.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2006

Becoming classical: A possible influence on the quantum-to-classical transition

Although cosmic expansion at very small distances is usually dismissed as entirely inconsequential, it appears that these extraordinarily small effects may in fact have a real and significant influence on our world. Calculations suggest that the minute recessional velocities associated with regions encompassed by extended bodies may have a role in creating the distinction between quantum and classical behavior. Using an uncertainty in position estimated from the spread in velocities associated with its size, the criterion that the uncertainty in position should be smaller than the extension of the object leads to a threshold size that could provide a fundamental limit distinguishing the realm of objects governed by classical laws from those governed by quantum mechanics.

physics.gen-ph↗