Foundational problems of quantum theory

Inhaltsangabe / Literatur / empfohlene Vorkenntnisse Quantum Theory is an established and extremely well tested part of physics. Nevertheless, several questions concerning the foundations of the theory remain unsettled. Examples include possible origins of quantum non-locality, the transition from the quantum to the classical domain, what measurements really are and whether the theory is completely linear (and thus, e.g., whether multiple universes exist). In this seminar, we will study these problems in detail, discuss possible solutions and examine mathematical theorems which amend the knowledge of fundamental reality. The goal is to familiarize the student with mathematical and physical techniques of foundations of Quantum Theory and thus to bring him/her closer to the question “What do we really know about the nature of reality?”. The seminar is open to students of physics, mathematics and philosophy. Necessary requirement: QM1-lecture or equivalent knowledge.

Course description Quantum Theory is an established and extremely well tested part of physics. Nevertheless, several questions concerning the foundations of the theory remain unsettled. Examples include possible origins of quantum non-locality, the transition from the quantum to the classical domain, what measurements really are and whether the theory is completely linear (and thus, e.g., whether multiple universes exist). In this seminar, we will study these problems in detail, discuss possible solutions and examine mathematical theorems which amend the knowledge of fundamental reality. The goal is to familiarize the student with mathematical and physical techniques of foundations of Quantum Theory and thus to bring him/her closer to the question “What do we really know about the nature of reality?”.