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Collapse of the Wave Function

Models, Ontology, Origin, and Implications

Shan Gao editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:26th Apr '18

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Collapse of the Wave Function cover

An overview of the collapse theories of quantum mechanics written by distinguished physicists and philosophers of physics.

An overview of the collapse theories of quantum mechanics. Written by distinguished physicists and philosophers of physics, it discusses the origin and implications of wave-function collapse, the controversies around collapse models and their ontologies, and new arguments for the reality of wave function collapse.This is the first single volume about the collapse theories of quantum mechanics, which is becoming a very active field of research in both physics and philosophy. In standard quantum mechanics, it is postulated that when the wave function of a quantum system is measured, it no longer follows the Schrödinger equation, but instantaneously and randomly collapses to one of the wave functions that correspond to definite measurement results. However, why and how a definite measurement result appears is unknown. A promising solution to this problem are collapse theories in which the collapse of the wave function is spontaneous and dynamical. Chapters written by distinguished physicists and philosophers of physics discuss the origin and implications of wave-function collapse, the controversies around collapse models and their ontologies, and new arguments for the reality of wave function collapse. This is an invaluable resource for students and researchers interested in the philosophy of physics and foundations of quantum mechanics.

'Collapse models are now moving from conferences on philosophy and physics to the experimental arena, and this volume assembled by Shan Gao is a timely collection of essays by leading practitioners which views collapse theories from multiple vantage points. It's valuable reading for theorists, experimenters, and philosophers of physics alike.' Stephen L. Adler, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey

ISBN: 9781108428989

Dimensions: 254mm x 180mm x 19mm

Weight: 860g

358 pages