Macroscopic quantum phenomena are particularly important when considering the problem of Schrödinger's cat. This book contains a coherent and self-contained account of such phenomena, focusing on the central role played by macroscopic quantum tunneling. Beginning with an explanation of the nature and significance of the cat problem, Shin Takagi introduces the concept of macroscopic quantum tunneling. He deals with typical examples in detail, elucidating how quantum mechanical coherence may be lost (so-called 'decoherence') or how it may be maintained despite the effects of environment and measurement processes. Recent experimental and theoretical advances are discussed, and the remaining problems described. The final chapter describes an experiment to decide between quantum mechanics and macrorealism in the light of Einstein's moon. Assuming only a knowledge of elementary quantum mechanics, this book emphasises conceptual aspects rather than technical details. It provides a firm introduction to the subject for graduate students and researchers.
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An account of macroscopic quantum phenomena, and the application of macroscopic quantum tunneling to the Schrodinger's cat problem. Assuming knowledge of only elementary quantum mechanics, this book emphasises conceptual aspects rather than technical details, providing a firm introduction to the subject for graduate students and researchers.
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1. Introduction; 2. Overview of macroscopic quantum tunneling; 3. Some candidate systems for macroscopic quantum tunneling; 4. Environmental problems; 5. Harmonic environment; 6. Quantum resonant oscillation in the harmonic environment; 7. Quantum decay in the harmonic environment; 8. General versus harmonic environments; 9. The cat in the moonlight; Appendix A. Euclidean space and Hilbert space; Appendix B. Virtual ground state of a system of a single degree of freedom and its decay; Appendix C. Functional derivative; Appendix D. Miscellanea about spin; References.
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A coherent and self-contained account of macroscopic quantum phenomena for graduate students and researchers.
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9780521800020
Publisert
2002-08-15
Utgiver
Vendor
Cambridge University Press
Vekt
610 gr
Høyde
244 mm
Bredde
170 mm
Dybde
14 mm
Aldersnivå
P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
222
Forfatter