The strange (hi)story of particles and waves

This is an attempt of a non-technical but conceptually consistent presentation of quantum theory in a historical context. While the first part is written for a general readership, Section 5 may appear a bit provocative to some quantum physicists. I argue that the single-particle wave functions of qu...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
1. Verfasser: Zeh, Heinz-Dieter (VerfasserIn)
Dokumenttyp: Article (Journal)
Sprache:Englisch
Veröffentlicht: 2016-1-20
In: Zeitschrift für Naturforschung. A, a journal of physical sciences
Year: 2016, Jahrgang: 71, Heft: 3, Pages: 195-212
ISSN:1865-7109
DOI:10.1515/zna-2015-0509
Online-Zugang:Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1515/zna-2015-0509
Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/zna-2015-0509/html
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Verfasserangaben:H. Dieter Zeh
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:This is an attempt of a non-technical but conceptually consistent presentation of quantum theory in a historical context. While the first part is written for a general readership, Section 5 may appear a bit provocative to some quantum physicists. I argue that the single-particle wave functions of quantum mechanics have to be correctly interpreted as field modes that are “occupied once” (i.e. first excited states of the corresponding quantum oscillators in the case of boson fields). Multiple excitations lead to apparent many-particle wave functions, while the quantum states proper are defined by wave function(al)s on the “configuration” space of fundamental fields, or on another, as yet elusive, fundamental local basis.
Beschreibung:Gesehen am 04.10.2021
Beschreibung:Online Resource
ISSN:1865-7109
DOI:10.1515/zna-2015-0509