Interpreting Quantum Mechanics
Modern Foundations

Addressing important philosophical problems in quantum mechanics, with material appropriate for both non-experts and experts.

David W. Snoke (Author)

9781009261555, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 May 2024

340 pages
26.2 x 18.5 x 2.3 cm, 0.81 kg

'David Snoke's new book provides an interpretation of quantum mechanics based on common sense and aimed towards an experimental physicist. A number of tricky theoretical concepts are explained in a simple and comprehensible way, which could only have been achieved through a profound and critical study. The book contains a good amount of the author's highly original thoughts, based on his own research experience.' Alexey Kavokin, Westlake University

This novel text directly addresses common claims and misconceptions around quantum mechanics and presents a fresh and modern understanding of this fundamental and essential physical theory. It begins with a non-mathematical introduction to some of the more controversial topics in the foundations of quantum mechanics. For those more familiar with the theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, the text moves on to a general introduction to quantum field theory, followed by a detailed discussion of cutting-edge topics in this area such as decoherence and spontaneous coherence. Several important philosophical problems in quantum mechanics are considered, and their interpretations are compared, notably the Copenhagen and many-worlds interpretations. The inclusion of frequent real-world examples, such as superconductors and superfluids, ensures the book remains grounded in modern research. This book will be a valuable resource for students and researchers in both physics and the philosophy of science interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics.

Preface
Part I. A Non-Mathematical Exposition of Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory: 1. It's all fields and waves
2. How fields generate particles
3. Jumpy detectors
4. Nonlocality
5. Alternative interpretations of quantum mechanics
6. Decoherence and collapse
7. Quantum mechanics and our view of reality
8. Quantum mechanics and technology
Epilogue
Appendix A. Summary of quantum interpretations
Part II. Basic Results of Quantum Mechanics: 9. Schr¨odinger equation calculations
10. Comparing classical and quantum systems
Part III. A short course in quantum field theory: 11. Preliminary mathematics
12. Boson quantization
13. Fermion quantization
14. Transition rules
15. Feynman diagrams
Part IV. Mathematical Considerations of Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics: 16. Mathematical considerations of quantum interpretations
17. Entanglement in a classical system
Part V. Decoherence, Spontaneous Coherence, and Spontaneous Collapse: 18. Irreversibility in unitary quantum field theory
19. Decoherence in quantum field theory
20. Spontaneous coherence: lasers, superfluids, and superconductors
Index.

Subject Areas: Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ]