arXiv subjects

Nathan Argaman

Publications and source records attributed to Nathan Argaman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Ontic and epistemic states in the theory of spacetime-local beables

Bell's theorem rules out developing a locally causal theory to describe quantum phenomena. Many take this to imply that any model of quantum entanglement must employ variables (called beables by Bell) which follow nonlocal rules, even though signaling is local. The alternative is to adopt an all-at-once (block universe) approach, with beables which may depend on both past and future inputs, even though signaling is causal. Within this lenient-causality approach (a.k.a. retrocausal), simple cases of entanglement have been successfully described by locally mediated stochastic toy models, i.e.,~toy models which are local in a sense which generalizes Bell's local causality. Developing a widely applicable reformulation of quantum mechanics along these lines is a grand challenge. This work presents a general framework for such models and theories, and identifies the corresponding ontic and epistemic states. The epistemic state is closely analogous to the quantum state, yielding an explanation for the collapse of the wavefunction. In the case of the models of the framework, it is clear what the information is about. The expression for the empirically verifiable predictions of the models in terms of the ontic and epistemic states displays remarkable parallels to the Born rule. A toy-model example is discussed.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

A Future-Input Dependent model for Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger correlations

It is widely appreciated, due to Bell's theorem, that quantum phenomena are inconsistent with local-realist models. In this context, locality refers to local causality, and there is thus an open possibility for reproducing the quantum predictions with models which internally violate the causal arrow of time, while otherwise adhering to the relevant locality condition. So far, this possibility has been demonstrated only at a toy-model level, and only for systems involving one or two spins (or photons). The present work extends one of these models to quantum correlations between three or more spins which are entangled in the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Exact first-order effect of interactions on the ground-state energy of harmonically-confined fermions

We consider a system of $N$ spinless fermions, interacting with each other via a power-law interaction $\epsilon/r^n$, and trapped in an external harmonic potential $V(r) = r^2/2$, in $d=1,2,3$ dimensions. For any $0 < n < d+2$, we obtain the ground-state energy $E_N$ of the system perturbatively in $\epsilon$, $E_{N}=E_{N}^{\left(0\right)}+\epsilon E_{N}^{\left(1\right)}+O\left(\epsilon^{2}\right)$. We calculate $E_{N}^{\left(1\right)}$ exactly, assuming that $N$ is such that the "outer shell" is filled. For the case of $n=1$ (corresponding to a Coulomb interaction for $d=3$), we extract the $N \gg 1$ behavior of $E_{N}^{\left(1\right)}$, focusing on the corrections to the exchange term with respect to the leading-order term that is predicted from the local density approximation applied to the Thomas-Fermi approximate density distribution. The leading correction contains a logarithmic divergence, and is of particular importance in the context of density functional theory. We also study the effect of the interactions on the fermions' spatial density. Finally, we find that our result for $E_{N}^{\left(1\right)}$ significantly simplifies in the case where $n$ is even.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2023

Investigations of the exchange energy of neutral atoms in the large-Z limit

The non-relativistic large-$Z$ expansion of the exchange energy of neutral atoms provides an important input to modern non-empirical density functional approximations. Recent works report results of fitting the terms beyond the dominant term, given by the local density approximation (LDA), leading to an anomalous ZlnZ term that can not be predicted from naive scaling arguments. Here, we provide much more detailed data analysis of the mostly smooth asymptotic trend describing the difference between exact and LDA exchange energy, the nature of oscillations across rows of the periodic table, and the behavior of the LDA contribution itself. Special emphasis is given to the successes and difficulties in reproducing the exchange energy and its asymptotics with existing density functional approximations.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2022

Leading correction to the local density approximation for exchange in large-$Z$ atoms

The large-$Z$ asymptotic expansion of atomic energies has been useful in determining exact conditions for corrections to the local density approximation in density functional theory. The correction for exchange is fit well with a leading $Z \ln Z$ term, and we find its coefficient numerically. The gradient expansion approximation also has such a term, but with a smaller coefficient. Analytic results in the limit of vanishing interaction with hydrogenic orbitals (a Bohr atom) lead to the conjecture that the coefficients are precisely 2.7 times larger than their gradient expansion counterparts, yielding an analytic expression for the exchange-energy correction which is accurate to $\sim 5\%$ for all $Z$.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2020

Quantum Computation and Arrows of Time

Quantum physics is surprising in many ways. One surprise is the threat to locality implied by Bell's Theorem. Another surprise is the capacity of quantum computation, which poses a threat to the complexity-theoretic Church-Turing thesis. In both cases, the surprise may be due to taking for granted a certain strict arrow-of-time assumption, whose applicability may be limited to the classical domain. This possibility has been noted repeatedly in the context of Bell's Theorem. The argument concerning quantum computation is described here. Further development of models which violate this strong arrow-of-time assumption, replacing it by a weaker arrow, is called for.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Bond-counting potentials -- A classical many-body model of covalent bonding with exact solutions in one dimension

We introduce "bond-counting" potentials, which provide an elementary description of covalent bonding. These simplistic potentials are intended for studies of the mechanisms behind a variety of phase transitions in elemental melts, including the liquid-liquid phase transitions (LLPT) in phosphorus and bismuth. As a first study employing such potentials, an analytic solution of a one-dimensional model system is presented, including its thermodynamic properties and its structure factor. In the simplest case, the chemical valency of each atom is $1$, and either single atoms or diatomic molecules are present. At low temperatures and moderate pressures, the system consists almost exclusively of molecules, and single atoms act as topological defects. A slightly more complicated case involves a valency of $2$, with either single or double bonding. This system exhibits a first-order LLPT from a molecular to a polymeric phase, as in phosphorus. In this case, the one-dimensional model system exhibits phase separation for finite-sized systems at low temperatures. A variant of this system also exhibits a non-equilibrium phase transformation upon heating the molecular condensed phase, qualitatively similar to boiling in white phosphorus.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2018

A Lenient Causal Arrow of Time?

One of the basic assumptions underlying Bell's theorem is the causal arrow of time, having to do with temporal order rather than spatial separation. Nonetheless, the physical assumptions regarding causality are seldom studied in this context, and often even go unmentioned, in stark contrast with the many different possible locality conditions which have been studied and elaborated. In the present work, some retrocausal toy-models which reproduce the predictions of Quantum Mechanics for Bell-type correlations are reviewed. It is pointed out that a certain toy-model which is ostensibly superdeterministic -- based on denying the free-variable status of some of Quantum Mechanics' input parameters -- actually contains within it a complete retrocausal toy-model. Occam's razor thus indicates that the superdeterministic point of view is superfluous. A challenge is to generalize the retrocausal toy-models to a full theory -- a reformulation of Quantum Mechanics -- in which the standard causal arrow of time would be replaced by a more lenient one: an arrow of time applicable only to macroscopically-available information. In discussing such a reformulation, one finds that many of the perplexing features of Quantum Mechanics could arise naturally, especially in the context of stochastic theories.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Comment on "Cosmic Bell Test: Measurement Settings from Milky Way Stars"

This Comment argues that two assumptions, which are presented as basic assumptions of Bell's theorem in [J. Handsteiner et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 118, 060401 (2017)] and elsewhere, in fact follow from more basic premises. Measurement independence follows from (i) the use of free variables and (ii) the causal arrow of time. Determinism follows from (i) local causality and (ii) perfect correlations (predicted by quantum mechanics). In particular, it is pointed out that the measurement-independence violating toy model of [M.J.W. Hall, Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 250404 (2010)], is based on a retro-causal model. While this may be controversial, it should be possible to achieve concensus on the much simpler matter of what the basic assumptions of Bell's theorem are.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2010

Finite-Temperature Density-Functional Theory of Bose-Einstein Condensates

The thermodynamic approach to density functional theory (DFT) is used to derive a versatile theoretical framework for the treatment of finite-temperature (and in the limit, zero temperature) Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). The simplest application of this framework, using the overall density of bosons alone, would yield the DFT of Nunes (1999). It is argued that a significant improvement in accuracy may be obtained by using additional density fields: the condensate amplitude and the anomalous density. Thus, two advanced schemes are suggested, one corresponding to a generalized two-fluid model of condensate systems, and another scheme which explicitly accounts for anomalous density contributions and anomalous effective potentials. The latter reduces to the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov approach in the limit of weak interactions. For stronger interactions, a local density approximation is suggested, but its implementation requires accurate data for the thermodynamic properties of uniform interacting BEC systems, including fictitious perturbed states of such systems. Provided that such data becomes available, e.g., from quantum Monte Carlo computation, DFT can be used to obtain high-accuracy theoretical results for the equilibrium states of BECs of various geometries and external potentials.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2010

Fractional occupation in Kohn-Sham density-functional theory and the treatment of non-pure-state v-representable densities

In the framework of Kohn-Sham density-functional theory, systems with ground-state densities that are not pure-state v-representable in the non-interacting reference system (PSVR) occur frequently. In the present contribution, a new algorithm, which allows the solution of such systems, is proposed. It is shown that the use of densities which do not correspond to a ground state of their non-interacting reference system is forbidden. As a consequence, the proposed algorithm considers only non-interacting ensemble v-representable densities. The Fe atom, a well-known non-PSVR system, is used as an illustration. Finally, the problem is analyzed within finite temperature density-functional theory, where the physical significance of fractional occupations is exposed and the question of why degenerate states can be unequally occupied is resolved.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2010

Bell's Theorem and the Causal Arrow of Time

Einstein held that the formalism of Quantum Mechanics (QM) entails "spooky actions at a distance". Indeed, in the 60's Bell showed that the predictions of QM disagree with the results of any locally causal description. Accepting non-local descriptions while retaining causality leads to a clash with the theory of relativity. Furthermore, the causal arrow of time by definition contradicts time-reversal symmetry. For these reasons, some authors (Feynman and Wheeler, Costa de Beauregard, Cramer, Price) have advocated abandoning microscopic causality. In the present article, a simplistic but concrete example of following this line of thought is presented, in the form of a retro-causal toy-model which is stochastic and which provides an appealing description of the specific quantum correlations discussed by Bell. One concludes that Einstein's "spooky actions" may occur "in the past" rather than "at a distance", resolving the tension between QM and relativity, and opening unexplored possibilities for future reformulations of QM.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2010

Can elemental bismuth be a liquid crystal?

A number of anomalies have been reported in molten Bi, including a first-order liquid-liquid transition at 1010K and ambient pressure, which is irreversible at cooling rates of several degrees per minute. An interpretation of these effects as due to long-range orientational order is suggested. Significant evidence for directionality in liquid Bi, albeit only immediately after melting, is available in experiments made circa 1930. Further experimentation is called for.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2002

Thermodynamics as an alternative foundation for zero-temperature density functional theory and spin density functional theory

Thermodynamics provides a transparent definition of the free energy of density functional theory (DFT), and of its derivatives - the potentials, at finite temperatures T. By taking the T to 0 limit, it is shown here that both DFT and spin-dependent DFT (for ground states) suffer from precisely the same benign ambiguities: (a) charge and spin quantization lead to "up to a constant" indeterminacies in the potential and the magnetic field respectively, and (b) the potential in empty subspaces is undetermined but irrelevant. Surprisingly, these simple facts were inaccessible within the standard formulation, leading to recent discussions of apparent difficulties within spin-DFT.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv1999

Density Functional Theory -- an introduction

Density Functional Theory (DFT) is one of the most widely used methods for "ab initio" calculations of the structure of atoms, molecules, crystals, surfaces, and their interactions. Unfortunately, the customary introduction to DFT is often considered too lengthy to be included in various curricula. An alternative introduction to DFT is presented here, drawing on ideas which are well-known from thermodynamics, especially the idea of switching between different independent variables. The central theme of DFT, i.e. the notion that it is possible and beneficial to replace the dependence on the external potential v(r) by a dependence on the density distribution n(r), is presented as a straightforward generalization of the familiar Legendre transform from the chemical potential (μ) to the number of particles (N). This approach is used here to introduce the Hohenberg-Kohn energy functional and to obtain the corresponding theorems, using classical nonuniform fluids as simple examples. The energy functional for electronic systems is considered next, and the Kohn-Sham equations are derived. The exchange-correlation part of this functional is discussed, including both the local density approximation to it, and its formally exact expression in terms of the exchange-correlation hole. A very brief survey of various applications and extensions is included.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv1999

Nonequilibrium Josephson-like effects in wide mesoscopic S-N-S junctions

Mesoscopic superconducting-normal-metal-superconducting (S-N-S) junctions with a large separation between the superconducting electrodes (i.e. wide junctions) exhibit nonequilibrium supercurrents, even at temperatures for which the equilibrium Josephson effect is exponentially small. The second harmonic of the Josephson frequency dominates these currents, as observed in recent experiments. A simple description of these effects, in the spirit of the Resistively-Shunted-Junction model, is suggested here. It is used to calculate dc I-V characteristics, and to examine the effects of various types of noise and of external microwave radiation (Shapiro steps). It is found that the nonequilibrium supercurrents are excited when the junction is driven by a dc bias or an ac bias, or even by external noise. In the case of junctions which are also long in the direction perpendicular to the current flow, thermodynamic phase fluctuations (thermal noise) alone can drive the quasiparticles out of local equilibrium. Magnetic flux is then predicted to be trapped in units of Phi_0 /2 = hc/4e.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv1997

Non-equilibrium Josephson-like effects in mesoscopic S-N-S junctions

Wide mesoscopic superconducting - normal-metal - superconducting (S-N-S) junctions exhibit Andreev bound states which carry substantial supercurrents, even at temperatures for which the equilibrium Josephson effect is exponentially small --- the currents carried by different states can cancel each other. This cancellation is incomplete whenever the junctions are driven out of equilibrium, e.g., by a dc voltage. This leads to phenomena similar to the usual dc and ac Josephson effects, but dominated by the second harmonic of the Josephson frequency, which may explain some striking recent experiments. A simple description of these, in the spirit of the Resistively-Shunted-Junction model, is suggested.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv1996

Random Scattering Matrices and the Circuit Theory of Andreev Conductances

The conductance of a normal-metal mesoscopic system in proximity to superconducting electrode(s) is calculated. The normal-metal part may have a general geometry, and is described as a ``circuit'' with ``leads'' and ``junctions''. The junctions are each ascribed a scattering matrix which is averaged over the circular orthogonal ensemble, using recently-developed techniques. The results for the electrical conductance reproduce and extend Nazarov's circuit theory, thus bridging between the scattering and the bulk approaches. The method is also applied to the heat conductance.

cond-mat↗