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Tulsi Dass

Publications and source records attributed to Tulsi Dass.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Bohmian Trajectories Within Hilbert Space Based Quantum Mechanics. Solution of the Measurement Problem

de Broglie-Bohm theory (dBBT), treating quantum particles as point objects moving along well defined (Bohmian) trajectories, offers an appealing solution of the measurement problem in quantum mechanics; it has, however, problems relating to spin, relativity and lack of proper integration with the Hilbert space based framework. In this work, we present a consistent formalism which has the traditional state-observable framework integrated with the desirable features of dBBT. We adopt ensemble interpretation for the Schrodinger wave function $\psi$. Given a Schrodinger wave function $\psi$, we use its value $\psi_0$ at some fixed time (say, $t = 0$) to define the probability measure $|\psi_0|^2 {\rm d}x$ on the system configuration space $M$ ($=\mathbb{R}^n$). On the resulting probability space $\mathcal{M}_0$, we introduce a stochastic process $\xi(t)$ corresponding to the Heisenberg position operator $X_H(t)$ such that, in the Heisenberg state $|\psi_h\rangle$ corresponding to $\psi_0$, the expectation value of $X_H(t)$ equals that of $\xi(t)$ in $\mathcal{M}_0$. This condition leads to the de Broglie-Bohm guidance equation for the sample paths of the process $\xi(t)$ which are, therefore, Bohmian trajectories supposedly representing time-evolutions of individual members of the $\psi_0$-ensemble. Stochastic processes and Bohmian trajectories corresponding to observables with discrete eigenvalues (in particular spin) are treated by extending the configuration space to the spectral space of the commutative algebra obtained by adding appropriate discrete observables to the position observables. Pauli's equation is treated as an example. A straightforward derivation of von Neumann's projection rule employing the Schrodinger-Bohm evolution of individual systems along their Bohmian trajectories is given. Some comments on the potential application of the formalism developed here to quantum mechanics of the universe are included.

quant-ph

Supmech: the Geometro-statistical Formalism Underlying Quantum Mechanics

As the first step in an approach to the solution of Hilbert's sixth problem, a general scheme of mechanics, called `supmech', is developed integrating noncommutative symplectic geometry and noncommutative probability theory in an algebraic framework; it has quantum mechanics (QM) and classical mechanics as special subdisciplines and facilitates an autonomous development of QM and satisfactory treatments of quantum-classical correspondence and quantum measurements (including a straightforward \emph{derivation} of the von Neumann reduction rule). The scheme associates, with every `experimentally accessible' system, a symplectic superalgebra and operates essentially as noncommutative Hamiltonian mechanics incorporating the extra condition that the sets of observables and pure states be mutually separating. The latter condition serves to smoothly connect the algebraically defined quantum systems to ilbert space-based ones; the rigged Hilbert space - based Dirac bra-ket formalism naturally appears. The formalism has a natural place for commutative superselection rules. Noncommutative analogues of objects like the momentum map and the Poincar$\acute{e}$-Cartan form are introduced and some related symplectic geometry developed.

quant-ph

A Stepwise Planned Approach to the Solution of Hilbert's Sixth Problem. III : Measurements and von Neumann Projection/Collapse Rule

Supmech, the universal mechanics developed in the previous two papers, accommodates both quantum and classical mechanics as subdisciplines (a brief outline is included for completeness); this feature facilitates, in a supmech based treatment of quantum measurements, an unambiguous treatment of the apparatus as a quantum system approximated well by a classical one. Taking explicitly into consideration the fact that observations on the apparatus are made when it has `settled down after the measurement interaction' and are restricted to macroscopically distinguishable pointer readings, the unwanted superpositions of (system + apparatus) states are shown to be suppressed; this provides a genuinely physics based justification for the (traditionally \emph{postulated}) von Neumann projection/collapse rule. The decoherence mechanism brought into play by the stated observational constraints is free from the objections against the traditional decoherence program.

quant-ph

A Stepwise Planned Approach to the Solution of Hilbert's Sixth Problem. II : Supmech and Quantum Systems

Supmech, which is noncommutative Hamiltonian mechanics \linebreak (NHM) (developed in paper I) with two extra ingredients : positive observable valued measures (PObVMs) [which serve to connect state-induced expectation values and classical probabilities] and the `CC condition' [which stipulates that the sets of observables and pure states be mutually separating] is proposed as a universal mechanics potentially covering all physical phenomena. It facilitates development of an autonomous formalism for quantum mechanics. Quantum systems, defined algebraically as supmech Hamiltonian systems with non-supercommutative system algebras, are shown to inevitably have Hilbert space based realizations (so as to accommodate rigged Hilbert space based Dirac bra-ket formalism), generally admitting commutative superselection rules. Traditional features of quantum mechanics of finite particle systems appear naturally. A treatment of localizability much simpler and more general than the traditional one is given. Treating massive particles as localizable elementary quantum systems, the Schr$\ddot{o}$dinger wave functions with traditional Born interpretation appear as natural objects for the description of their pure states and the Schr$\ddot{o}$dinger equation for them is obtained without ever using a classical Hamiltonian or Lagrangian. A provisional set of axioms for the supmech program is given.

math-ph

A Stepwise Planned Approach to the Solution of Hilbert's Sixth Problem. I : Noncommutative Symplectic Geometry and Hamiltonian Mechanics

This series of papers is devoted to an open-ended project aimed at the solution of Hilbert's sixth problem (concerning joint axiomatization of physics and probability theory) proposed to be constructed in the framework of an all-embracing mechanics. In this first paper, the bare skeleton of such a mechanics is constructed in the form of noncommutative Hamiltonian mechanics (NHM) which combines elements of noncommutative symplectic geometry and noncommutative probability in the framework of topological superalgebras; it includes, besides NHM basics, a treatment of Lie group actions in NHM and noncommutative analogues of the momentum map, Poincar$\acute{e}$-Cartan form and the symplectic version of Noether's theorem. Canonically induced symplectic structure on the (skew) tensor product of two symplectic superalgebras (needed in the description of interaction between systems) is shown to exist if and only if either both system superalgebras are supercommutative or both non-supercommutative with a `quantum symplectic structure' characterized by a \emph{universal} Planck type constant; the presence of such a universal constant is, therefore, \emph{dictated} by the formalism. This provides proper foundation for an autonomous development of quantum mechanics as a universal mechanics.

math-ph

Universality of quantum symplectic structure

Operating in the framework of `supmech' (a scheme of mechanics which aims at providing a concrete setting for the axiomatization of physics and probability theory as required in Hilbert's sixth problem; integrating noncommutative symplectic geometry and noncommutative probability in an algebraic setting, it associates, with every `experimentally accessible' system, a symplectic algebra and operates essentially as noncommutative Hamiltonian mechanics with some extra sophistication in the treatment of states) it is shown that interaction between systems can be consistently described only if either (i) all system algebras are commutative or (ii) all system algebras are noncommutative and have a quantum symplectic structure characterized by a UNIVERSAL Planck type real-valued constant of the dimension of action.

math.SG

Consistent Quantum-Classical Interaction and Solution of the Measurement Problem in Quantum Mechanics

Supmech, an algebraic scheme of mechanics integrating noncommutative symplectic geometry and noncommutative probability, subsumes quantum and classical mechanics and permits consistent treatment of interaction of quantum and classical systems. Quantum measurements are treated in this framework; the von Neumann reduction rule (generally postulated) is derived and interpreted in physical terms.

quant-ph

Dynamical probability, particle trajectories and completion of traditional quantum mechanics

Maintaining the position that the wave function $ψ$ provides a complete description of state, the traditional formalism of quantum mechanics is augmented by introducing continuous trajectories for particles which are sample paths of a stochastic process determined (including the underlying probability space) by $ψ$. In the resulting formalism, problems relating to measurements and objective reality are solved as in Bohmian mechanics (without sharing its weak points). The pitfalls of Nelson's stochastic mechanics are also avoided.

quant-ph

Measurements and Decoherence

A pedagogical and reasonably self-contained introduction to the measurement problems in quantum mechanics and their partial solution by environment-induced decoherence (plus some other important aspects of dcoherence) is given. The point that decoherence does not solve the measurement problems completely is clearly brought out.The relevance of interpretation of quantum mechanics in this context is briefly discussed.

quant-ph

Histories Approach to Quantum Mechanics

These lecture notes cover the important developments in histories approach to quantum mechanics with overall content and emphasis somewhat different from other reviews and books on the subject.The idea of Houtappel, Van Dam and Wigner of employing objects based on primitive concepts of physical theories is discussed in some detail and the fact that histories are such objects is emphasized. Application of histories formalism to the problem of understanding the quasiclassical domain is treated in some detail. Other topics discussed include generalized histories-based quantum mechanics and its application to the quantum mechanics of space-time,generalization of the notion of time sequences employing partial semigroups,quasitemporal structures, history projection operator (HPO) formalism, the algebraic scheme of Isham and Linden, an axiomatic scheme for quasitemporal histories-based theories and symmetries and conservation laws in histories-based theories.

quant-ph

Towards an Autonomous Formalism for Quantum Mechanics

A formalism is presented in which quantum particle dynamics can be developed on its own rather than `quantization' of an underlying classical theory. It is proposed that the unification of probability and dynamics should be considered as the basic feature of quantum theory. Arguments are given to show that when such a unification is attempted at the configuration space level, the wave funtions of Schr$\ddot{o}$dinger theory appear as the natural candidates for the desired unification. A *-algebra $\mathcal{A}_{Q}$ of (not necessarily bounded) linear operators acting on an appropriate dense set of these wave functions appears as the arena for quantum kinematics. A simple generalization of an existing formalism in noncommutative geometry is employed to develop the notion of generalized algebraic symplectic structure (GASS) which can accomodate classical and quantum symplectic structures as special cases. Quantum kinematics and dynamics is developed in in the framework of a noncommutative Hamiltonian system employing an appropriate GASS based in $ \mathcal{A}_{Q}$. The Planck constant is introduced at only one place -- in the quantum symplectic form; its appearance at conventional places is then automatic. Unitary Wigner symmetries appear as canonical transformations in the noncommutative Hamiltonian system. A straightforward treatment of quantum - classical correspondence is given in terms of appropriate GASSes.

quant-ph

Symmetries and conservation laws in histories-based generalized quantum mechanics

Symmetries are defined in histories-based generalized quantum mechanics paying special attention to the class of history theories admitting quasitemporal structure (a generalization of the concept of `temporal sequences' of `events' using partial semigroups) and logic structure for `single time histories'. Symmetries are classified into orthochronous (those preserving the `temporal order' of `events') and non-orthochronous. A straightforward criterion for physical equivalence of histories is formulated in terms of orthochronous symmetries; this criterion covers various notions of physical equivalence considered by Gell-Mann and Hartle as special cases. In familiar situations, a reciprocal relationship between traditional symmetries (Wigner symmetries in quantum mechanics and Borel-measurable transformations of phase space in classical mechanics) and symmetries defined in this work is established. In a restricted class of theories, a definition of conservation law is given in the history language which agrees with the standard ones in familiar situations; in a smaller subclass of theories, a Noether type theorem (implying a connection between continuous symmetries of dynamics and conservation laws) is proved.

gr-qc

Quasitemporal structure and symmetries in histories-based generalized quantum mechanics in curved spacetime

The formalism for histories-based generalized quantum mechanics developed in two earlier papers is applied to the treatment of histories (of particles or fields or more general objects) in curved spacetimes (which need not admit foliation in spacelike hypersurfaces). The construction of the space of temporal supports (a partial semigroup generalizing the space of finite time sequences employed in traditional temporal description of histories) employs spacelike subsets of spacetime having dimensionality less than or equal to three. Definition of symmetry is sharpened by the requirement of continuity of mappings (employing topological partial semigroups). It is shown that with this proviso, a symmetry in our formalism implies a conformal isometry of the spacetime metric.

gr-qc

Symmetries and conservation laws in histories-based theories

Symmetries are defined in histories-based theories paying special attention to the class of history theories admitting quasitemporal structure (a generalization of the concept of `temporal sequences' of `events' using partial semigroups) and logic structure for `single-time histories'. Symmetries are classified into orthochronous (those preserving the `temporal order' of `events') and nonorthochronous. A straightforward criterion for physical equivalence of histories is formulated in terms of orthochronous symmetries; this criterion covers various notions of physical equivalence of histories considered by Gell-Mann and Hartle as special cases. In familiar situations, a reciprocal relationship between traditional symmetries (Wigner symmetries in quantum mechanics and Borel-measurable transformations of phase space in classical mechanics) and symmetries defined in this work is established. In a restricted class of theories, a definition of conservation law is given in the history language which agrees with the standard ones in familiar situations; in a smaller subclass of theories, a Noether type theorem (implying a connection between continuous symmetries of dynamics and conservation laws) is proved. The formalism evolved is applied to histories (of particles, fields or more general objects) in general curved spacetimes. Sharpening the definition of symmetry so as to include a continuity requirement, it is shown that a symmetry in our formalism implies a conformal isometry of the spacetime metric.

gr-qc