57,357 research outputs found
New Concepts in Particle Physics from Solution of an Old Problem
Recent ideas on modular localization in local quantum physics are used to
clarify the relation between on- and off-shell quantities in particle physics;
in particular the relation between on-shell crossing symmetry and off-shell
Einstein causality. Among the collateral results of this new nonperturbative
approach are profound relations between crossing symmetry of particle physics
and Hawking-Unruh like thermal aspects (KMS property, entropy attached to
horizons) of quantum matter behind causal horizons, aspects which hitherto were
exclusively related with Killing horizons in curved spacetime rather than with
localization aspects in Minkowski space particle physics. The scope of this
modular framework is amazingly wide and ranges from providing a conceptual
basis for the d=1+1 bootstrap-formfactor program for factorizable d=1+1 models
to a decomposition theory of QFT's in terms of a finite collection of unitarily
equivalent chiral conformal theories placed a specified relative position
within a common Hilbert space (in d=1+1 a holographic relation and in higher
dimensions more like a scanning). The new framework gives a spacetime
interpretation to the Zamolodchikov-Faddeev algebra and explains its thermal
aspects.Comment: In this form it will appear in JPA Math Gen, 47 pages tcilate
Pascual Jordan, his contributions to quantum mechanics and his legacy in contemporary local quantum physics
After recalling episodes from Pascual Jordan's biography including his
pivotal role in the shaping of quantum field theory and his much criticized
conduct during the NS regime, I draw attention to his presentation of the first
phase of development of quantum field theory in a talk presented at the 1929
Kharkov conference. He starts by giving a comprehensive account of the
beginnings of quantum theory, emphasising that particle-like properties arise
as a consequence of treating wave-motions quantum-mechanically. He then goes on
to his recent discovery of quantization of ``wave fields'' and problems of
gauge invariance. The most surprising aspect of Jordan's presentation is
however his strong belief that his field quantization is a transitory not yet
optimal formulation of the principles underlying causal, local quantum physics.
The expectation of a future more radical change coming from the main architect
of field quantization already shortly after his discovery is certainly quite
startling. I try to answer the question to what extent Jordan's 1929
expectations have been vindicated. The larger part of the present essay
consists in arguing that Jordan's plea for a formulation without ``classical
correspondence crutches'', i.e. for an intrinsic approach (which avoids
classical fields altogether), is successfully addressed in past and recent
publications on local quantum physics.Comment: More biographical detail, expansion of the part referring to Jordan's
legacy in quantum field theory, 37 pages late
Causality and dispersion relations and the role of the S-matrix in the ongoing research
The adaptation of the Kramers-Kronig dispersion relations to the causal
localization structure of QFT led to an important project in particle physics,
the only one with a successful closure. The same cannot be said about the
subsequent attempts to formulate particle physics as a pure S-matrix project.
The feasibility of a pure S-matrix approach are critically analyzed and their
serious shortcomings are highlighted. Whereas the conceptual/mathematical
demands of renormalized perturbation theory are modest and misunderstandings
could easily be corrected, the correct understanding about the origin of the
crossing property requires the use of the mathematical theory of modular
localization and its relation to the thermal KMS condition. These new concepts,
which combine localization, vacuum polarization and thermal properties under
the roof of modular theory, will be explained and their potential use in a new
constructive (nonperturbative) approach to QFT will be indicated. The S-matrix
still plays a predominant role but, different from Heisenberg's and
Mandelstam's proposals, the new project is not a pure S-matrix approach. The
S-matrix plays a new role as a "relative modular invariant"..Comment: 47 pages expansion of arguments and addition of references,
corrections of misprints and bad formulation
The Pivotal Role of Causality in Local Quantum Physics
In this article an attempt is made to present very recent conceptual and
computational developments in QFT as new manifestations of old and well
establihed physical principles. The vehicle for converting the
quantum-algebraic aspects of local quantum physics into more classical
geometric structures is the modular theory of Tomita. As the above named
laureate to whom I have dedicated has shown together with his collaborator for
the first time in sufficient generality, its use in physics goes through
Einstein causality. This line of research recently gained momentum when it was
realized that it is not only of structural and conceptual innovative power (see
section 4), but also promises to be a new computational road into
nonperturbative QFT (section 5) which, picturesquely speaking, enters the
subject on the extreme opposite (noncommutative) side.Comment: This is a updated version which has been submitted to Journal of
Physics A, tcilatex 62 pages. Adress: Institut fuer Theoretische Physik
FU-Berlin, Arnimallee 14, 14195 Berlin presently CBPF, Rua Dr. Xavier Sigaud
150, 22290-180 Rio de Janeiro, Brazi
Conceptual Graphs in CAD
This paper elaborates on the use of conceptual graphs in a prototype of a computer based support system for re-design. Re-design support involves the modelling of assemblies and components. The requirements of the components to be modelled are a compromise between the functioning of the assembly and the manufacturability of the individual components. Conceptual graphs provide for an elegant way of representing both functioning and manufacturing aspects. In the prototype system, conceptual graphs are used for representing and defining assemblies, components and features as well as the relations between these entities. Constraints, such as kinematic, tolerance and manufacturing constraints are also represented using conceptual graphs
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