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Frontiers of Quantum Theory

Nowadays, quantum theory's mathematical formalism is well established and recognised by almost all physicists as a successful model for the calculation of experimental predictions. However, quantum theory and the theory of relativity appear to contradict each other. Moreover, there is no consensus regarding the interpretation of the theory or, consequently, its meaning for our understanding of the world.

Nowadays, quantum theory's mathematical formalism is well established and recognised by almost all physicists as a successful model for the calculation of experimental predictions. However, quantum theory and the theory of relativity appear to contradict each other. Moreover, there is no consensus regarding the interpretation of the theory or, consequently, its meaning for our understanding of the world.

The RG Frontiers of Quantum Theory was dedicated to the fringes of quantum theory. In doing so, the limits of its validity were explored in the following contexts:

  • Boundary with classical statistics of open many-body systems, especially quantum decoherence

  • Boundary with the general theory of relativity, especially signatures of quantum noise on large scales

  • Epistemology: How valid are predictions based on a statistical theory? Why is quantum theory a statistical theory?

  • Didactics: Which interpretation of quantum theory is preferred by experts? What knowledge of quantum theory exists among the general public? Do curricula, teacher's workshops, reference works have an acceptable level?

Publication

In one of the 2007 issues of the Junge Akademie Magazin (JAM), there was a viewable contribution by the then-spokesperson of the RG on the questions and discussions of the Research Group: Cord Müller, "Der Mond ist doch auch da, wenn niemand nach ihm guckt!", Junge Akademie Magazin Nr. 6, p. 16 f.

article (pdf, 55 KB)

Workshops

  • WORKSHOP 2010: "QUANTUM COHERENCE AND ENTANGLEMENT ON MACROSCOPIC SCALES"

    The Research Group held a workshop from May 6-8th 2010 which was concerned with the topic of quantum coherence in various disciplines of physics and from a philosophical view. The workshop focused on the current research area of entanglement on macroscopic scales, which plays a central role in many areas of modern physics, for instance in quantum information processing in electronic nano structures, or in cosmology. As a part of the workshop, we visited the currently most impressive experiment of photon entanglement across 140 kilometers between the islands of La Palma and Tenerife, which holds the distance record for entangled photons.

  • Workshop 2008: "Frontiers of Quantum Theory: Reality and Randomness"

    In April 2008 the Research Group invited interested parties to Berlin for a workshop entitled "Frontiers of Quantum Theory: Reality and Randomness".

    In the context of the workshop, which consisted of short presentations and contributions to the discussion, physicists and philosophers focused their debate, apart from questions concerning the foundations and possible modern applications of quantum theory, especially on the role of probability and its possible interpretations.

    As a result of the workshop a CD with audio recordings of the presentations and discussions was produced.

    Programme

Spokespersons

participating Alumnae / Alumni