Consistent Quantum Theory

Quantum mechanics is one of the most fundamental yet difficult subjects in physics. Nonrelativistic quantum theory is presented here in a clear and systematic fashion, integrating Born’s probabilistic interpretation with Schrödinger dynamics. Basic quantum principles are illustrated with simple examples requiring no mathematics beyond linear algebra and elementary probability theory. The quantum measurement process is consistently analyzed using fundamental quantum principles without referring to measurement. These same principles are used to resolve several of the paradoxes that have long perplexed physicists, including the double slit and Schrödinger’s cat. The consistent histories formalism used here was first introduced by the author, and extended by M. Gell-Mann, J. Hartle and R. Omnès. Essential for researchers yet accessible to advanced undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science, this book is supplementary to standard textbooks. It will also be of interest to physicists and philosophers working on the foundations of quantum mechanics.

• Comprehensive account • Written by one of the main figures in the field • Paperback edition of successful work on philosophy of quantum mechanics

1. Introduction; 2. Wave functions; 3. Linear algebra in Dirac notation; 4. Physical properties; 5. Probabilities and physical variables; 6. Composite systems and tensor products; 7. Unitary dynamics; 8. Stochastic histories; 9. The Born rule; 10. Consistent histories; 11. Checking consistency; 12. Examples of consistent families; 13. Quantum interference; 14. Dependent (contextual) events; 15. Density matrices; 16. Quantum reasoning; 17. Measurements I; 18. Measurements II; 19. Coins and counterfactuals; 20. Delayed choice paradox; 21. Indirect measurement paradox; 22. Incompatibility paradoxes; 23. Singlet state correlations; 24. EPR paradox and Bell inequalities; 25. Hardy’s paradox; 26. Decoherence and the classical limit; 27. Quantum theory and reality; Bibliography.