Macroscopic Quantum Tunneling
Cambridge University Press
Edition: Revised ed., 7/14/2005
EAN 9780521675710, ISBN10: 0521675715
Paperback, 224 pages, 24.4 x 17 x 1.3 cm
Language: English
Macroscopic quantum phenomena are particularly important when considering the problem of Schrödinger's cat. This book contains a coherent and self-contained account of such phenomena, focusing on the central role played by macroscopic quantum tunneling. Beginning with an explanation of the nature and significance of the cat problem, Shin Takagi introduces the concept of macroscopic quantum tunneling. He deals with typical examples in detail, elucidating how quantum mechanical coherence may be lost (so-called 'decoherence') or how it may be maintained despite the effects of environment and measurement processes. Recent experimental and theoretical advances are discussed, and the remaining problems described. The final chapter describes an experiment to decide between quantum mechanics and macrorealism in the light of Einstein's moon. Assuming only a knowledge of elementary quantum mechanics, this book emphasises conceptual aspects rather than technical details. It provides a firm introduction to the subject for graduate students and researchers.
1. Introduction
2. Overview of macroscopic quantum tunneling
3. Some candidate systems for macroscopic quantum tunneling
4. Environmental problems
5. Harmonic environment
6. Quantum resonant oscillation in the harmonic environment
7. Quantum decay in the harmonic environment
8. General versus harmonic environments
9. The cat in the moonlight
Appendix A. Euclidean space and Hilbert space
Appendix B. Virtual ground state of a system of a single degree of freedom and its decay
Appendix C. Functional derivative
Appendix D. Miscellanea about spin
References.