Decoherence and the Appearance of a Classical World in Quantum Theory

Domenico Giulinin ist Professor für Theoretische Physik an der Universität Freiburg.

Claus Kiefer studierte Physik und Astronomie an den Universitäten Heidelberg und Wien. Er promovierte 1988 in Heidelberg über den Begriff der inneren Zeit in der kanonischen Quantentheorie der Gravitation, habilitierte sich 1995 und lehrte an den Universitäten Zürich und Freiburg. Längere Aufenthalte unter anderem an der University of Cambridge, der Université de Montpellier und dem Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin. Seit 2001 ist er Professor für Theoretische Physik an der Universität zu Köln.

1 Introduction.- 2 Basic Concepts and Their Interpretation.- 3 Decoherence Through Interaction with the Environment.- 4 Decoherence in Quantum Field Theory and Quantum Gravity.- 5 Consistent Histories and Decoherence.- 6 Superselection Rules and Symmetries.- 7 Open Quantum Systems.- 8 Stochastic Collapse Models.- 9 Related Concepts and Methods.- A1 Equation of Motion of a Mass Point.- A2 Solutions for the Equation of Motion.- A3 Elementary Properties of Composite Systems in Quantum Mechanics.- A4 Quantum Correlations.- A5 Hamiltonian Formulation of Quantum Mechanics.- A6 Galilean Symmetry of Non-Relativistic Quantum Mechanics.- A7 Stochastic Processes.- References.

From the reviews of the second edition:

"This book is essential for anyone who is working in the quantum-classical divide." (Contemporary Physics 2005, 46, page 146)

"The goal of this collective book is the understanding, in the framework of quantum mechanics, of the appearance of our macroscopic classical world ... . I strongly recommend it to all those interested in an understanding of quantum mechanics that goes beyond the pragmatic point of view summarized in the formula: 'for all practical purpose'." (Philippe Spindel, Physicalia Vol. 57 (2), 2005)

"This book is essential for anyone who is working in the quantum-classical divide. Most of the material is written in a pedagogical style so that it can easily be used as an aid to start ones research in this field. The size of the reference list is impressive ... ." (J.Hartley, Contemporary Physics, Vol. 46 (2) 2005)

"Since quantum mechanical interpretational issues are usually very sensitive matters, not to mention controversial, the authors are commended for putting together a coherent text ... . is highly recommended reading for anyone with a serious interest in basic problems in physics, notwithstanding being a senior scientist or an advanced graduate student. It constitutes an excellent portrayal of issues related to our fundamental conception of natural science. It also has much to offer to readers who already have experienced knowledge of physics." (Erkki J. Brändas, International Journal of Quantum Chemistry, Vol. 99, 2004)