Published May 2007 | Version v1
Journal article

Classicality in quantum mechanics

Creators

  • 1. Theoretical Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ (United Kingdom)

Description

In this article we propose a solution to the measurement problem in quantum mechanics. We point out that the measurement problem can be traced to an a priori notion of classicality in the formulation of quantum mechanics. If this notion of classicality is dropped and instead classicality is defined in purely quantum mechanical terms the measurement problem can be avoided. We give such a definition of classicality. It identifies classicality as a property of large quantum system. We show how the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics is a result of this notion of classicality. We also comment on what the implications of this view are for the search of a quantum theory of gravity

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Journal of Physics. Conference Series (Online)
Journal Volume
67
Journal Issue
1
Journal Page Range
p. 012051
ISSN
1742-6596

Conference

Title
3. International workshop on quantum mechanics between decoherence and determinism: New aspects from particle physics to cosmology
Acronym
DICE2006
Dates
11-15 Sep 2006
Place
Castello di Piombino (Italy)

INIS

Country of Publication
United Kingdom
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
38080477
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS; S72: PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS;
Resource subtype / Literary indicator
Conference
Descriptors DEI
ENERGY LEVELS; MATHEMATICAL SOLUTIONS; PROBABILISTIC ESTIMATION; QUANTUM GRAVITY; QUANTUM MECHANICS; QUANTUM NUMBERS; UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE
Descriptors DEC
CALCULATION METHODS; FIELD THEORIES; MECHANICS; QUANTUM FIELD THEORY