Language · Media · Problem

Wavepackets and uncertainty principle

[Preliminary 11-11-2023] [“Quantum foundations” series] Table of contents Context This post was inspired by Don Lincoln’s latest YouTube video (below). Insights from quantum field theory (QFT) have helped me better understand strange aspects of quantum theory [1]. In particular, leaving behind notions of point particles and wave-particle duality, and just going with fields and wavepackets in… Continue reading Wavepackets and uncertainty principle

General · Language · Problem

Does antimatter ‘fall’ the same as matter? – QFT and CPT symmetry

[“Quantum foundations” series – QFT charge inversion] As discussed elsewhere (e.g., in “QFT – How many fields are there?” and comments), in the Standard Model, “there is one field for each kind of particle.” So, consider the positron – the “negative-energy solution” of the Dirac equation. It’s likely that electrons and positrons (anti-electrons) are localized… Continue reading Does antimatter ‘fall’ the same as matter? – QFT and CPT symmetry

General · Language · Media · Problem

The degree of entanglement – quantifying an entangled system

INTRODUCTION Remember pet rocks? So, what if someone gave you a gift, claiming it was even better than a Moon rock or Mars pebble. Something almost magical. An expensive novelty item. As advertised on TV: “Tangled Blocks” … go quantum! do Einstein spooky action! each block contains a particle entangled with one in the other… Continue reading The degree of entanglement – quantifying an entangled system

Diagram · General · Language · Problem

Special relativity’s fundamental defect – ether redux

The incompleteness of relativity and quantum theories So, for me, there’s always been a nagging shortfall of visualization for the major theories of modern physics: Relativity and Quantum theories. Successful theories indeed. But a focus on the mathematics, with some hand-waving surrounding implicit assumptions (or definitions), conveying a flawless formulation in popular presentations. As discussed… Continue reading Special relativity’s fundamental defect – ether redux

General · Language · Media · Site

Imaging at the molecular and atomic level

Here’re some articles on advanced microscopy research, including quantum microscopy by coincidence. Not included (as yet) below is an article about nano fab of crystal lattices – direct deposition of individual atoms at lattice sites vs. more conventional doping (impurity) techniques. 1 . Studying ultrafast molecular dynamics • Phys.org > “Ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy: Watching molecules… Continue reading Imaging at the molecular and atomic level

General · Language · Problem

Quantum biology – excitons in plant chromophores

When a photon excites an electron within plant chromophores [1], the transport of energy (without transporting net electric charge) resembles an exciton [2] condensate. “Chromophores … can pass energy between them in the form of excitons to a reaction center where energy can be used, kind of like a group of people passing a ball… Continue reading Quantum biology – excitons in plant chromophores

General · Language · Media · Problem

Reckoning quanta, quantum events – nostalgia for absoluteness?

TABLE OF CONTENTS Alice & Bob et al. measure quantum states & wonder about predicting outcomes. In continuous quantum fields, localized disturbances (excitations) interact and exchange energy between fields – as real outcomes. “We suppress dimensions in order to make sense of things.” Modeling interactions of excitations with vacuum states of quantum fields gets weird.… Continue reading Reckoning quanta, quantum events – nostalgia for absoluteness?

Diagram · Language · Problem

Gamma photons – formerly known as rays – the extreme EM spectrum

Table of contents IntroductionAbout gamma photonsSolar gamma photons INTRODUCTION Rays, radiation, particles, waves, fields … what’s in a name, eh? There’s a history [1], an evolution of discovery and understanding. So that sometimes a “particle” by another name is something more interesting [2]. While quantum field theory (QFT) has penetrated the way many physicists think… Continue reading Gamma photons – formerly known as rays – the extreme EM spectrum

Diagram · General · Language · Problem

How early did disk galaxies emerge?

The universe’s expansion history is one thing; but then there’s its structural evolution. In particular, how early did well-formed galaxies emerge? • Space.com > “Galaxies in early universe were surprisingly diverse, James Webb Space Telescope finds” by Andrew Jones (Jan 16, 2023) – high-redshift galaxies (galaxies as they were around 11 to 13 billion years… Continue reading How early did disk galaxies emerge?

Book · Language · Problem

Unitarity forever? – in an expanding universe

[“Quantum foundations” series] I encountered a Wired reprint of a Quanta Magazine article which I’d flagged awhile ago; so, it’s time to write a new post. While reconciling Quantum Theory and General Relativity is an ongoing topic, I found this Quanta Magazine article interesting for its discussion of unitarity and Hilbert space. Although based on… Continue reading Unitarity forever? – in an expanding universe