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Time Arrow in Quantum Theory by E. Joos is a Engineering article available to read on EtoBox.

What is Time Arrow in Quantum Theory about?

This paper reviews the problem of founding irreversibility on reversible equations of motion. It is recalled that purely statistical reasoning is not sufficient to understand the arrow of time. The difficulties in deriving irreversible equations of motion in classical and quantum mechanics are compared. It is emphasized that the measurement process of quantum theory is of fundamental importance to macroscopic irreversibility and has no counterpart in classical physics. The nonlocal character of quantum states plays a decisive role in a derivation of macroscopic equations of motion. These necessarily have to be master equations. It is shown that, in contrast to usual thought, macroscopic properties are not inherent in objects, but are induced by irreversible interaction with their natural environment. In this way superselection rules have their roots in the nonlocality of quantum states and a cosmological initial condition of locality. This 'initial' condition may in turn have its origin in the collapse of the universal state vector, which is connected with the symmetry-breaking phase transition of the vacuum in the very early stages of the Big Bang.

Who reads Time Arrow in Quantum Theory?

Author

E. Joos

Published

1987

Language

EN

Field

Engineering (Physical Sciences)