Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics
Alfred Driessen
prof. emer. University of Twente
In several places of his Physica Aristotle analyzes the famous antimony of Zeno about the competition between Achilles and the Tortoise. He emphasizes that any movement, or more general any change, is actually a continuum, i.e. an unity. It depends on the specific movement or change whether this continuum is potentially divisible in parts. In fact, there could be certain minima of the division. In line with this approach, Quantum Mechanics states that there are minima or quanta of movement (or change), with other words, there are no gradual changes in the world of micro- and nano-structures. This behavior is completely unexpected when starting with the mechanistic approach of classical physics.
Taking another finding of Aristotle, the four aspects of causality including final cause, one gets another ingredient of Quantum Mechanics. Movements and changes are not only influenced by the initial state -describing the present situation- but also by the final state which takes account of the future situation. As an example one may mention Fermi’s golden rule, where the initial and final state symmetrically determine the transition probability.
Bringing these two philosophical concepts of Aristotle together namely quanta of movement and final cause, a new light is shed on fundamental issues in Quantum Mechanics. One may mention the experimental evidence for contextuality, which is considered one of the weird phenomena in Quantum Mechanics. As illustration, some of the examples of experiments with optical microresonators are given.
This talk has been presented at the 20th International Interdisciplinary Seminar "Can Science and Technology Shape a New Humanity", Netherhall House, London, 5-1-2018
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3) Early string theory models treated particles as vibrating strings to address limitations of S-matrix theory for high spin particles. This led to the development of bosonic string theory and super
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The presentation source can be downloaded here:
http://www.attaccalite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/CompMatScience.odp
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2) In the 1960s, particle physics was dominated by S-matrix theory, which focused on scattering matrix properties rather than fundamental fields. S-matrix theory assumed analyticity, crossing, and unitarity of scattering amplitudes.
3) Early string theory models treated particles as vibrating strings to address limitations of S-matrix theory for high spin particles. This led to the development of bosonic string theory and super
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2) Key concepts covered include the structure of atoms, charging by transferring electrons between materials, and how static charge is held on insulators while current involves the flow of electrons in conductors.
3) The document provides examples of current in series and parallel circuits, noting that current is the same everywhere in a series circuit while the total current entering a parallel junction equals the sum of the currents in the branches.
This document provides an overview of chaos theory, including:
1) It defines chaos as the apparently noisy, aperiodic behavior in deterministic systems that is sensitive to initial conditions.
2) Important milestones in chaos theory research are discussed, from Poincare in 1890 to fractal geometry work in the 1970s.
3) Attractors, strange attractors, and fractal geometry are introduced as important concepts.
4) Methods for measuring chaos like Lyapunov exponents and entropy are described.
Mathematics was invented by humans to describe patterns and quantities in the real world. Some key points:
- Early humans developed counting as a practical tool for tasks like tracking food supplies and trade goods. Counting led to the development of basic arithmetic operations and the first written number systems.
- Properties of numbers, geometry, algebra, calculus, etc. were conceptualized by mathematicians over thousands of years through observing patterns and designing logical systems to model physical phenomena. Different cultures developed unique systems for writing and representing numbers.
- While mathematics describes inherent patterns in nature, the specific symbols, notations, definitions, and branches we use today are all human constructs. The rules and structures of mathematics have evolved significantly over the course of history
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- Pythagoras discovered irrational numbers like √2 through applying the GCM algorithm to the sides and diagonal of a square.
- Euclid formalized the GCM algorithm, proving its termination, and establishing it as the foundation of number theory.
- Modern mathematicians like Dedekind, Noether and van der Waerden generalized the algorithm to work for any Euclidean domain by abstracting away specific objects.
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Trigonometry is the study of measuring triangles and angles. It originated over 4000 years ago in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and India to calculate sundials and solve triangles. Key developments include Hipparchus' trig tables in 150 BC and the Sulba Sutras in 800-500 BC. Trigonometry has many applications including astronomy, navigation, music, acoustics, optics, engineering, and more due to its ability to model waves and approximate curved surfaces with triangles. It remains an important area of ongoing research.
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2) It aims to provide a brief yet modern review of foundational concepts in electromagnetism and set the stage for introducing special relativity, quantum mechanics, and matter waves for undergraduate students.
3) The overview highlights that succeeding chapters will develop tensor formulations of electromagnetism and special relativity from first principles before discussing applications like blackbody radiation and early quantum models.
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This document outlines the key aspects of using particle-based Monte Carlo simulations to solve the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) for modeling semiconductor device transport. It describes how the BTE can be solved by decomposing carrier transport into free flight periods between scattering events. Random flight times are generated from the probability distribution of scattering rates. After each free flight, a scattering mechanism is chosen randomly based on its probability. New carrier momentum and energy are determined after each scattering event to model transport.
This document provides an outline of string theory. It begins with background on reductionism in physics and the unification of forces. String theory emerged as a way to address difficulties in quantizing gravity. There are five consistent string theories in 10 dimensions: type I open superstring theory with oriented strings; type IIA closed superstring theory with two independent sets of supersymmetry; heterotic string theories that combine bosonic and supersymmetric strings. String theory led to the discovery of supersymmetry and relates fundamental forces and particles to vibrational modes of strings.
This document provides an overview of quantum computing, including:
- Quantum computers store and process information using quantum bits (qubits) that can exist in superpositions of states allowing exponential increases in processing power over classical computers.
- Key concepts include qubit representation and superpositions, entanglement, measurement and computational complexity classes like BQP.
- Quantum algorithms show exponential speedups over classical for factoring, discrete log, and some other problems.
- Implementation challenges include building reliable qubits, controlling operations, and error correction. Leading approaches use trapped ions, NMR, photonics, and solid state systems.
The document provides an introduction to quantum computing, including:
1) It explains that quantum computing utilizes quantum mechanics and quantum bits (qubits) that can exist in superpositions of states, allowing quantum computers to potentially process exponentially more information than classical computers.
2) The key differences between classical and quantum computers are described, with classical computers using bits in binary states while quantum computers use qubits that can be in superpositions of states.
3) Popular quantum gates like Hadamard, CNOT, and rotation gates are introduced and explained as transformations that can be applied to qubits.
2022 MOHAMED EL NASCHIE, SCOTT OLSEN - 09 PAGINAS - THE GOLDEN MEAN NUMBER SY...WITO4
This paper explores the golden mean number system and its roots in Plato's philosophy. It discusses how the golden mean number system naturally emerges from Plato's principles of the One and the Indefinite Dyad. The paper shows how quantum parameters like the pre-quantum particle, pre-quantum wave, and Einstein spacetime align with Plato's similes in the Republic. It also reveals an underlying paradigmatic symmetry where any golden power can simultaneously represent geometric, arithmetic, and harmonic means. This symmetry links all aspects of the golden powers in a structure of interdependence.
What makes us humans different from animals? Culture? The ability to make tools? The language? Morality? Art? This presentation will show us that these criteria alone are not enough to explain what makes us different from animals.
This document discusses the Axiom of Choice (AC), a foundational principle in set theory that states that for any set of nonempty sets, there exists a function that chooses one element from each set. The document provides examples to illustrate AC with finite and infinite sets. It explains that while AC seems intuitive for finite sets, it leads to counterintuitive conclusions for infinite sets. The document also discusses the relationship between AC and Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory (ZF), noting that ZF does not prove or disprove AC, so its inclusion in ZF is a matter of mathematical preference.
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field capable of driving flat rotation (i.e. Keplerian circular orbits at a constant speed for all radii) of test masses on a thin
spherical shell without any underlying mass. Moreover, a large-scale structure which exploits this solution by assembling
concentrically a number of such topological defects can establish a flat stellar or galactic rotation curve, and can also deflect
light in the same manner as an equipotential (isothermal) sphere. Thus, the need for dark matter or modified gravity theory is
mitigated, at least in part.
ESPP presentation to EU Waste Water Network, 4th June 2024 “EU policies driving nutrient removal and recycling
and the revised UWWTD (Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive)”
Unlocking the mysteries of reproduction: Exploring fecundity and gonadosomati...AbdullaAlAsif1
The pygmy halfbeak Dermogenys colletei, is known for its viviparous nature, this presents an intriguing case of relatively low fecundity, raising questions about potential compensatory reproductive strategies employed by this species. Our study delves into the examination of fecundity and the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) in the Pygmy Halfbeak, D. colletei (Meisner, 2001), an intriguing viviparous fish indigenous to Sarawak, Borneo. We hypothesize that the Pygmy halfbeak, D. colletei, may exhibit unique reproductive adaptations to offset its low fecundity, thus enhancing its survival and fitness. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive study utilizing 28 mature female specimens of D. colletei, carefully measuring fecundity and GSI to shed light on the reproductive adaptations of this species. Our findings reveal that D. colletei indeed exhibits low fecundity, with a mean of 16.76 ± 2.01, and a mean GSI of 12.83 ± 1.27, providing crucial insights into the reproductive mechanisms at play in this species. These results underscore the existence of unique reproductive strategies in D. colletei, enabling its adaptation and persistence in Borneo's diverse aquatic ecosystems, and call for further ecological research to elucidate these mechanisms. This study lends to a better understanding of viviparous fish in Borneo and contributes to the broader field of aquatic ecology, enhancing our knowledge of species adaptations to unique ecological challenges.
Nucleophilic Addition of carbonyl compounds.pptxSSR02
Nucleophilic addition is the most important reaction of carbonyls. Not just aldehydes and ketones, but also carboxylic acid derivatives in general.
Carbonyls undergo addition reactions with a large range of nucleophiles.
Comparing the relative basicity of the nucleophile and the product is extremely helpful in determining how reversible the addition reaction is. Reactions with Grignards and hydrides are irreversible. Reactions with weak bases like halides and carboxylates generally don’t happen.
Electronic effects (inductive effects, electron donation) have a large impact on reactivity.
Large groups adjacent to the carbonyl will slow the rate of reaction.
Neutral nucleophiles can also add to carbonyls, although their additions are generally slower and more reversible. Acid catalysis is sometimes employed to increase the rate of addition.
The ability to recreate computational results with minimal effort and actionable metrics provides a solid foundation for scientific research and software development. When people can replicate an analysis at the touch of a button using open-source software, open data, and methods to assess and compare proposals, it significantly eases verification of results, engagement with a diverse range of contributors, and progress. However, we have yet to fully achieve this; there are still many sociotechnical frictions.
Inspired by David Donoho's vision, this talk aims to revisit the three crucial pillars of frictionless reproducibility (data sharing, code sharing, and competitive challenges) with the perspective of deep software variability.
Our observation is that multiple layers — hardware, operating systems, third-party libraries, software versions, input data, compile-time options, and parameters — are subject to variability that exacerbates frictions but is also essential for achieving robust, generalizable results and fostering innovation. I will first review the literature, providing evidence of how the complex variability interactions across these layers affect qualitative and quantitative software properties, thereby complicating the reproduction and replication of scientific studies in various fields.
I will then present some software engineering and AI techniques that can support the strategic exploration of variability spaces. These include the use of abstractions and models (e.g., feature models), sampling strategies (e.g., uniform, random), cost-effective measurements (e.g., incremental build of software configurations), and dimensionality reduction methods (e.g., transfer learning, feature selection, software debloating).
I will finally argue that deep variability is both the problem and solution of frictionless reproducibility, calling the software science community to develop new methods and tools to manage variability and foster reproducibility in software systems.
Exposé invité Journées Nationales du GDR GPL 2024
Travis Hills' Endeavors in Minnesota: Fostering Environmental and Economic Pr...Travis Hills MN
Travis Hills of Minnesota developed a method to convert waste into high-value dry fertilizer, significantly enriching soil quality. By providing farmers with a valuable resource derived from waste, Travis Hills helps enhance farm profitability while promoting environmental stewardship. Travis Hills' sustainable practices lead to cost savings and increased revenue for farmers by improving resource efficiency and reducing waste.
Phenomics assisted breeding in crop improvementIshaGoswami9
As the population is increasing and will reach about 9 billion upto 2050. Also due to climate change, it is difficult to meet the food requirement of such a large population. Facing the challenges presented by resource shortages, climate
change, and increasing global population, crop yield and quality need to be improved in a sustainable way over the coming decades. Genetic improvement by breeding is the best way to increase crop productivity. With the rapid progression of functional
genomics, an increasing number of crop genomes have been sequenced and dozens of genes influencing key agronomic traits have been identified. However, current genome sequence information has not been adequately exploited for understanding
the complex characteristics of multiple gene, owing to a lack of crop phenotypic data. Efficient, automatic, and accurate technologies and platforms that can capture phenotypic data that can
be linked to genomics information for crop improvement at all growth stages have become as important as genotyping. Thus,
high-throughput phenotyping has become the major bottleneck restricting crop breeding. Plant phenomics has been defined as the high-throughput, accurate acquisition and analysis of multi-dimensional phenotypes
during crop growing stages at the organism level, including the cell, tissue, organ, individual plant, plot, and field levels. With the rapid development of novel sensors, imaging technology,
and analysis methods, numerous infrastructure platforms have been developed for phenotyping.
8.Isolation of pure cultures and preservation of cultures.pdf
Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics
1. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 1 5-1-2018
2. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 2 5-1-2018
Content
Introduction
Playing with lines and trains
Aristotle and
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Contextuality
Summary
3. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 3 5-1-2018
Achilles and the Tortoise
figure taken from: https://ibmathsresources.com/2014/08/27/zenos-paradox-achilles-and-the-tortoise/
paradox of
Zeno of Elea, 490-430 BC
figure taken from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfqVnj-sgcc
4. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 4 5-1-2018
preliminary solution: via mathematics
By Jochen Burghardt - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29475780
Distance vs. time,
assuming the tortoise to
run at Achilles' half speed
time:
20 × 𝐾 = 20 [𝑠]
distance:
200 × 𝐾 = 200 [𝑚]
𝐾 = lim
𝑘→∞
𝑛=1
𝑘
1
2𝑛
= 1
5. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 5 5-1-2018
levels of abstraction, according to Aristotle
1st level of abstraction
considers things which can neither exist nor be
understood without matter
example:
bird: many forms, colors, seize,
first level of abstraction:
bird as such: no specific color, form,...
is an animal with feathers, two legs, with wings
result: the concept: bird
by abstraction from things which enter in the mind by
the aid of senses
concrete bird:
is something changing, each time different
concept of a bird:
does not change, is stable in time
with concepts: science becomes possible
6. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 6 5-1-2018
2nd level of abstraction
it allows to study things which can be
understood without any references to sense
qualities, but which exist only implemented
in matter
example: circle:
may by abstracted completely
from the material
arriving at the level of geometry, more
general mathematics
example of increasing abstraction:
2 apples plus 3 apples are 5 apples
2+3=5
a+b=c
a+b=b+a (addition is commutative)
levels of abstraction, according to Aristotle
7. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 7 5-1-2018
3rd level of abstraction
considers things which can be thought
of -and exist- apart from matter
example:
being (ens), form, substances,
essence, love
level of the being as such
enter realm of metaphysics
studies the general properties and
structure of beings,
and the relations between beings;
among others causality
Raphael, School of Athens
with Plato and Aristotle
levels of abstraction, according to Aristotle
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Content
Introduction
Playing with lines and trains
Aristotle and
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Contextuality
Summary
9. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 9 5-1-2018
playing with lines and trains
the static train-map of the
Netherlands
detail of line Haarlem-Amsterdam
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the three levels of abstraction of a line
starting point: the railway line between Amsterdam and Haarlem
1. level: the railway connection with certain physical properties
example: rail connection between two cities
2. level, mathematical representation
example: a line between point A and point B
3. level, metaphysical representation
example: the thing with a certain extension, the continuum:
“ens extensum”
Leibnitz:
1672-1682
the Labyrinth
of the
continuum
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What are the parts of a line?
step 1: take the line between A and B at cut at point C1,
result: two lines
step 2: step: take the line between A and C1 at cut at point C2,
result: two + 1 lines
step n: step: take the line between A and Cn-1 at cut at point Cn,
result: two + n lines
repeat step n ad infinitum
result: -any line consists of infinite lines, each of these parts has on its
own infinite line-parts, which on its own have infinite line-parts, which on its
own………
-points (zero dimension) can not be obtained by cutting a line
C1
A B
12. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 12 5-1-2018
playing with lines and trains
the dynamical train-map of
Haarlem-Amsterdam
t=0
t=20
t=18
t=16
t=14
t=12
t=10
t=8
t=6
t=4
t=2
train
is moving from Haarlem, t=0 min,
to Amsterdam at t=20 min
Haarlem (A) Amsterdam (B)
13. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 13 5-1-2018
what are the parts of a dynamical line?
the dynamical train-map of
Haarlem-Amsterdam
t=0
t=20
t=18
t=16
t=14
t=12
t=10
t=8
t=6
t=4
t=2
train
is moving from Haarlem, t=0 min,
to Amsterdam at t=20 m
A (s=0 km, t=0 min)
B (s=22 km, t=20 min)
reduced to 1 space-
and 1 time-
coordinate
(line A-B)
Haarlem (A) Amsterdam (B)
14. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 14 5-1-2018
What are the parts of a dynamical line?
step 1: take the dynamical line between A and B at cut at point C1,
result: two dynamical lines
step 2: take the dynamical line between A and C1 at cut at point C2,
result: two + 1 dynamical lines
step n: take the dynamical line between A and Cn-1 at cut at point Cn,
result: two + n dynamical lines
repeat step n ad infinitum
result: -any dynamical line consists of infinite dynamical lines, each of
these parts has on its own infinite dynamical line-parts, which on its own
have infinite dynamical line-parts, which on its own………
-motionless points (zero dimension) can not be obtained by
cutting a dynamical line
A (s=0 km, t=0 min)
B (s=22 km, t=20 min)
C1
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What are the parts of a line?
Leibnitz: -Labyrinth of continuum,
ens extensum
dilemma: -how to build-up something
from infinite, unequal parts?
physical level: -there are minima for any physical line:
e.g. rail of iron: minimum the Fe atom:
mathematical -there are no minima, but even the smallest of the infinite
level number of parts are lines;
-it is not always possible to construct the whole from the
parts;
metaphysical: -a line has potentially infinite parts, but as long as it is not
level actually devided, it has no parts
-
16. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 16 5-1-2018
To be, or not to be?
great insight of Aristotle:
there is a third between being and not being:
virtual or potential being
applied to lines or continuum:
the line (continuum) is a whole,
but there are potentially parts
smallest seize of the potential parts:
so called minima naturalia
is determined by the physical level
what about dynamical lines (continua)?
are there minima naturalia?
already discussed by Suarez Disp. Met, 1597
17. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 17 5-1-2018
Content
Introduction
Playing with lines and trains
Aristotle and
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Contextuality
Summary
18. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 18 5-1-2018
Achilles and the Tortoise
Solution of Aristotle for Zeno’s Antinomy
1) movement is a dynamical continuum,
has to be considered as a whole.
2) Being a whole,
movement is largely determined by the
initial and final point (telos).
3) Can a certain movement potentially be divided in parts?
This is determined by the physical properties.
4) In Quantum Mechanics (QM):
- movement (changes) are quantified;
- there are minima of movement;
- the initial and final state enter symmetrically in the
mathematical description.
19. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 19 5-1-2018
Movement as a whole
-- If movement (change) have to be considered as a whole then the final
state and initial state have causal influence on the whole.
-- During the -not interrupted- movement, information about the
condition of the movement is contained in the initial and final state, and
the physical conditions of the possible trajectories.
-- Initial state and final state may be (or not be) separated in time.
-- In Quantum Mechanics the movement of (small)
objects is quantified.
-- In Aristotelian terms: movement has to be
considered as a whole: there are quanta of
movement.
-- In the metaphysical and mathematical level:
there are potential parts
-- In the physical level there are no parts: the
quantum of movement can not be divided.
Aristotle by Rembrandt
20. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 20 5-1-2018
Fermi’s Golden rule
Sommerfeld 1930 (Scientia 1930 II, p 85; translation by AD)
When on occasions I spoke about a new, conditioned causality, it was
mathematically founded. It appears namely that we have to calculate
emission by a formula, in which the initial and final condition of the atom
enters equally and symmetrically.
(...) By the way, this is not completely new. Aristotle considered besides
the efficient cause also the final cause.
taken from: Snoeks et al.
PRL, 74, 13, 1995, p 2459
21. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 21 5-1-2018
Content
Introduction
Playing with lines and trains
Aristotle and
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Contextuality
Summary
22. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 22 5-1-2018
quantum contextuality
Quantum contextuality:
-- All what we may know is the initial and final state; there is nothing in-
between: no information, no physical properties of moving particles....
-- Final state: is often called the observer.
-- The outcome of an experiment with a given initial state depends
critically on the observer, or better said, the final state set-up by the
experimentalist or by other causes involved.
Weirdness of Quantum contextuality
expressed by Ian Durham:
When you go to your garage, you get a car;
you don’t get a llama.
Perhaps if you live on a ranch in the Andes
Mountains.
quoted in plus-magazine by Brendan Foster
23. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 23 5-1-2018
Light can be considered as a particle, called photon,
with energy and momentum
that propagates with the speed of light c
h: Planck constant; ħ = h/2 π; k and ω: spatial and (time) angular frequency
The photon is the number one quantum particle
In the following, gedachten-experiments with photons in optical micro resonators
(MC) will be presented.
They show that the outcome of the experiments is critically dependent on the
detection set-up (the observer).
Interference (wave-picture) or quantum superposition (particle picture) lead to
pronounced quantum effects: quantum contextuality
for more details, see:
photons and quantum contextuality
E kP
https://www.researchgate.net/project/The-weird-properties-of-a-photon
24. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 24 5-1-2018
top view spectral respons
The integrated optical MR
wavelength [nm]
1550 1560
FSR
-3dB
P/P[dB]throughinP/P[dB]dropin
Lorentzian lineshape Free Spectral Range: FSR
linewidth: Δλ-3dB
Finesse: FSR/ Δλ-3dB
roundtrip time τr
literature: A. Driessen et al., Optics Com. 270, 217-224 (2007)
25. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 25 5-1-2018
input output 1
output 3
input output 1
output 2
output 3
input output 1
output 2
Experiments with straight (green)
And bent waveguides (yellow)
Experiment I:
1 straight and 1 curved
waveguides coupled with loss-less
10% intensity coupler
Experiment II:
2 straight and 1 curved
waveguides coupled with loss-less 10%
couplers
Experiment III:
2 straight waveguides and
1 ring-resonator in resonance coupled
with loss-less 10% intensity couplers
Gedanken experiments with MRs
26. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 26 5-1-2018
evolution of the numerical solution of the
Helmholtz Equation (Stoffer et al.)
In Through
Drop
Basic principle of a MR
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Results of experiments
With monochromatic cw laser
in out 1 out 2 out 3
experiment I 1 0.9 --- 0.1
experiment II 1 0.9 0.01 0.09
experiment III 1 0 1 ---
Table I: normalized intensities at input and output
With single “monochromatic” photons?
a) detected with slow detector
b) detected with high time-resolution detector
(resolution << τr , the roundtrip time in the MR)
input output 1
output 3
input output 1
output 2
output 3
input output 1
output 2
Gedanken experiments with MRs
28. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 28 5-1-2018
Results of experiments
With single “monochromatic” photons?
a) detected with slow detector
in out 1 out 2 out 3
experiment I 1 0.9 --- 0.1
experiment II 1 0.9 0.01 0.09
experiment III 1 0 1 ---
Table II: probability to detect photon at the output
------------------------------------------------------------------------
b) detected with high time-resolution detector
(resolution << τr)
in out 1 out 2 out 3
exper. I 1 0.9 --- 0.1
exper. II 1 0.9 0.01 0.09
exper. III, 1 0.95 0.05 ---
Table III: probability to detect photon at the output
Gedanken experiments with MRs
input output 1
output 3
input output 1
output 2
output 3
input output 1
output 2
29. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 29 5-1-2018
Content
Introduction
Playing with lines and trains
Aristotle and
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Contextuality
Summary
30. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 30 5-1-2018
The antinomy of Zeno leads Aristotle to a deeper understanding of
movement (change), and the relation between the whole and the parts.
By distinguishing three main levels of abstraction (physics, mathematics
and metaphysics) he is able to find a balance between empirical
(physics) and a-priori (mathematics and metaphysics) sciences.
He introduces a third alternative between being and not being: potentially
being.
His emphasize on the wholeness of a movement opens a road to what
later is called quantum mechanics.
His analysis of causality including final cause appears explicitly in the
mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics.
It is hopefully shown that it is worthwhile to involve metaphysics for a
deeper understanding of the main theories of modern physics, relativity
and QM.
Summary
31. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 31 5-1-2018
Summary
Can Science and Technology Shape a New Humanity?
As science progresses, it is constrained to
introduce into its theories concepts of a
metaphysical nature – like those of time, space,
objectivity, causality, individuality.
De Broglie, 1892-1987
Revue de metaphysique et de morale, 1947, 3, p 278.
In the current situation of relativism and postmodern thinking science
could contribute that old and new truth gathered in the best philosophical
traditions will show unexpected actuality.
It is the dialogue between scientists and philosophers that could lead to
satisfying answers for the many big questions that challenge our
understanding.
32. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 32 5-1-2018
Acknowledgment
Many of the ideas of this presentation
have been derived from a book of
Prof. P. Hoenen, S.J. (1880-1961)
Pontifical Gregorian University
Philosophie der Anorganische Natuur
Standaard Boekhandel, Antwerpen ,
3rd edition 1947
(philosophy of inorganic nature)
Latin edition:
Cosmologia, Rome, 1945
33. CSR: Culture, Science and Religion Achilles, the Tortoise and Quantum Mechanics pagina 33 5-1-2018
This talk has been presented at the
20th International Interdisciplinary Seminar
Can Science and Technology Shape a New Humanity?
Netherhall House, London, 5-1-2018