Fields and Their Quanta
Fields and Their Quanta
Fields and Their Quanta
Fields and Their Quanta
Fields and Their Quanta
Fields and Their Quanta
Trending Bestseller

Fields and Their Quanta

Making Sense of Quantum Foundations

Art Hobson

No reviews yet Write a Review
Hardback
06 December 2024
$324.00
In Stock: Ships in 7-9 Days
Hurry up! Current stock:
icon Share icon Share
Description  

Because of continuing debates about foundational issues as well as the recent consensus about non-locality, it is time to resolve the long-standing quantum enigmas.  These include wave-particle duality, the double-slit experiment, quantum randomness, entanglement, superpositions, and measurement. This book presents that resolution, based on the insights that (1)  quantum field theory tells us that reality comprises a set of universal quantized fields that fill the universe and (2) standard quantum mechanics is the non-relativistic limit of quantum field theory. An immediate consequence is that there are no particles and that quanta such as photons and electrons are highly unified ("coherent"), spatially extended bundles of field energy.  Every quantum object is always a wave in a field.  It is never a particle. As Steven Weinberg puts it, "The basic ingredients of nature are fields; particles are derivative phenomena." This immediately resolves, for one example, the puzzle of the double-slit experiment in which quanta such as photons and electrons individually interfere like waves as they pass through the slits yet they impact the screen like tiny particles.  The resolution:  each photon or electron is actually a wave that extends coherently across both slits and across the entire interference pattern, and collapses to a far smaller, atom-sized wave (not a particle) upon entangling non-locally with the screen. Thus quantum physicists can finally get their act together.  It's about time:  After more than 120 years, quantum physics still harbors embarrassing puzzles and physicists remain unable to reach a consensus about what the theory means.  Large questions like "What is quantum physics about?" and "What is the meaning of the quantum state?" elicit diverse replies, all different yet all offered with supreme confidence.  Every science has healthy differences of opinion, but quantum physics is beyond the pale.

As Fields and their Quanta shows, we can dispense with the diverse interpretations such as consciousness-based views, the hypothesis that other universes are involved in wave function collapse, and the Copenhagen view that there is no quantum world.  We can probably also dispense with the suggested reformulations such as the guiding wave hypothesis and various collapse mechanisms, although experimental tests of these are worth doing.  Most of these are inspired by the measurement problem, but recent clarification concerning entanglement and non-locality shows that the measurement process is not paradoxical, and that standard quantum physics predicts collapse to a single outcome. 

Quantum physics can thus return to being a normal, objective, scientific endeavor with no special interpretation outside of standard (since Copernicus) scientific realism:  Nature exists on its own with no need for observers, and we learn about nature by applying logical reasoning to natural phenomena as revealed by observation and experiment.    

Customer reviews  

This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Be the first to review this product!

Write a Reviews
Flat Rate Shipping  
Easy Returns  
$324.00
In Stock: Ships in 7-9 Days
Hurry up! Current stock:
icon Share icon Share
Flat Rate Shipping  
Easy Returns  

Fields and Their Quanta

$324.00

Description

Because of continuing debates about foundational issues as well as the recent consensus about non-locality, it is time to resolve the long-standing quantum enigmas.  These include wave-particle duality, the double-slit experiment, quantum randomness, entanglement, superpositions, and measurement. This book presents that resolution, based on the insights that (1)  quantum field theory tells us that reality comprises a set of universal quantized fields that fill the universe and (2) standard quantum mechanics is the non-relativistic limit of quantum field theory. An immediate consequence is that there are no particles and that quanta such as photons and electrons are highly unified ("coherent"), spatially extended bundles of field energy.  Every quantum object is always a wave in a field.  It is never a particle. As Steven Weinberg puts it, "The basic ingredients of nature are fields; particles are derivative phenomena." This immediately resolves, for one example, the puzzle of the double-slit experiment in which quanta such as photons and electrons individually interfere like waves as they pass through the slits yet they impact the screen like tiny particles.  The resolution:  each photon or electron is actually a wave that extends coherently across both slits and across the entire interference pattern, and collapses to a far smaller, atom-sized wave (not a particle) upon entangling non-locally with the screen. Thus quantum physicists can finally get their act together.  It's about time:  After more than 120 years, quantum physics still harbors embarrassing puzzles and physicists remain unable to reach a consensus about what the theory means.  Large questions like "What is quantum physics about?" and "What is the meaning of the quantum state?" elicit diverse replies, all different yet all offered with supreme confidence.  Every science has healthy differences of opinion, but quantum physics is beyond the pale.

As Fields and their Quanta shows, we can dispense with the diverse interpretations such as consciousness-based views, the hypothesis that other universes are involved in wave function collapse, and the Copenhagen view that there is no quantum world.  We can probably also dispense with the suggested reformulations such as the guiding wave hypothesis and various collapse mechanisms, although experimental tests of these are worth doing.  Most of these are inspired by the measurement problem, but recent clarification concerning entanglement and non-locality shows that the measurement process is not paradoxical, and that standard quantum physics predicts collapse to a single outcome. 

Quantum physics can thus return to being a normal, objective, scientific endeavor with no special interpretation outside of standard (since Copernicus) scientific realism:  Nature exists on its own with no need for observers, and we learn about nature by applying logical reasoning to natural phenomena as revealed by observation and experiment.    

Customers Also Viewed

Discover Books for Every Interest at BookLoop

Discover your next great read at BookLoop, Australia's trusted online bookstore offering a vast selection of titles across various genres and interests. Whether you're curious about what's trending or searching for graphic novels that captivate, thrilling crime and mystery fiction, or exhilarating action and adventure stories, our curated collections have something for every reader. Delve into imaginative fantasy worlds or explore the realms of science fiction that challenge the boundaries of reality.

Books on Hobbies, Crafts, Gardening, and More

For those with a green thumb, our comprehensive range of gardening books provides insights and tips for all levels of enthusiasts. If you're aiming to enhance your financial acumen, our selection of finance, business, and management books offers valuable knowledge from industry experts. Craft lovers will appreciate our assortment of handicrafts, decorative arts, and crafts books, perfect for inspiring your next project. Engage your mind with our collection of hobbies, quizzes, and games books, or explore the mystical with our fortune-telling and divination guides.

Transport, Contemporary Fiction, and Picture Books for Kids

Transportation aficionados can immerse themselves in our extensive transportation books, including detailed works on road and motor vehicles. Young readers are not left out, with a delightful array of picture books and early learning concepts designed to educate and entertain. Fans of contemporary narratives will find compelling stories in our contemporary fiction section. Embark on epic journeys with our fantasy and science fiction titles, or gain inspiration from real-life tales in our biographies and true stories collection. Health-conscious readers can explore our health and wholefood cooking books, focusing on specific diets and conditions.

School Books, Teacher Resources, and Academic Textbooks

Textbooks for Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education

BookLoop proudly supports the educational needs of students and schools across Australia. Our textbook collection includes school books and teacher resources for every phase from primary school books, secondary school books, and essential titles for TAFE courses, vocational training, and university study. Each book is selected to align with curriculum outcomes and classroom needs, making it easy for schools and teachers to plan ahead.

Teacher Resources and Classroom Support Materials

From structured lesson planning to engaging student activities, our wide range of school books and teacher resources provides essential tools for educators. You’ll also find dedicated school and preschool teacher materials designed for early years education, classroom support, and intervention. Teachers can access a reliable selection of workbooks, literacy and numeracy programs, assessment tools, and professional development guides all in one place.

Books for Early Learning Centres and Childcare Professionals

Support the earliest stages of education with our curated range of early childhood care and education books. These titles are ideal for early learning centres, preschools, and childcare settings, offering age-appropriate resources that build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and emotional development. Families and educators alike trust our resources for quality, clarity, and classroom effectiveness.

Bulk Book Orders for Schools and Educational Institutions

We make bulk school book orders simple and efficient. Schools, libraries, and early learning centres can rely on BookLoop for competitive pricing, fast shipping, and expert support when sourcing large quantities of textbooks and educational materials. Whether you’re restocking for a new term or ordering resources for an entire class, our bulk ordering system ensures convenience and accuracy every step of the way.

Stay Up to Date with Book Trends

Explore our new releases for the most recent additions in romance books, fantasy books, graphic novels, crime and mystery books, science fiction books as well as biographies, cookbooks, self help books, tarot cards, fortunetelling and much more. With titles covering current trends, booktok and bookstagram recommendations, and emerging authors, BookLoop remains your go-to local australian bookstore for buying books online across all book genres.

Explore the Latest and Most Loved Books

Stay updated with the literary world by browsing our trending books, featuring the latest bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Explore titles from popular brands like Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars, Bluey, Lonely Planet, ABIA award winners, Peppa Pig, and our specialised collection of ADHD books. At BookLoop, we are committed to providing a diverse and enriching reading experience for all.