17 research outputs found
Quantum features derived from the classical model of a bouncer-walker coupled to a zero-point field
In our bouncer-walker model a quantum is a nonequilibrium steady-state
maintained by a permanent throughput of energy. Specifically, we consider a
"particle" as a bouncer whose oscillations are phase-locked with those of the
energy-momentum reservoir of the zero-point field (ZPF), and we combine this
with the random-walk model of the walker, again driven by the ZPF. Starting
with this classical toy model of the bouncer-walker we were able to derive
fundamental elements of quantum theory. Here this toy model is revisited with
special emphasis on the mechanism of emergence. Especially the derivation of
the total energy hbar.omega and the coupling to the ZPF are clarified. For this
we make use of a sub-quantum equipartition theorem. It can further be shown
that the couplings of both bouncer and walker to the ZPF are identical. Then we
follow this path in accordance with previous work, expanding the view from the
particle in its rest frame to a particle in motion. The basic features of
ballistic diffusion are derived, especially the diffusion constant D, thus
providing a missing link between the different approaches of our previous
works.Comment: 14 pages, based on a talk given at "Emergent Quantum Mechanics (Heinz
von Foerster Conference 2011)", see
http://www.univie.ac.at/hvf11/congress/EmerQuM.htm
The Quantum as an Emergent System
Double slit interference is explained with the aid of what we call
"21stcentury classical physics". We model a particle as an oscillator
("bouncer") in a thermal context, which is given by some assumed "zero-point"
field of the vacuum. In this way, the quantum is understood as an emergent
system, i.e., a steady-state system maintained by a constant throughput of
(vacuum) energy. To account for the particle's thermal environment, we
introduce a "path excitation field", which derives from the thermodynamics of
the zero-point vacuum and which represents all possible paths a particle can
take via thermal path fluctuations. The intensity distribution on a screen
behind a double slit is calculated, as well as the corresponding trajectories
and the probability density current. Further, particular features of the
relative phase are shown to be responsible for nonlocal effects not only in
ordinary quantum theory, but also in our classical approach.Comment: 24 pages, 2 figures, based on a talk given at "Emergent Quantum
Mechanics (Heinz von Foerster Conference 2011)",
http://www.univie.ac.at/hvf11/congress/EmerQuM.htm
Quantum mechanics of lattice gas automata. I. One particle plane waves and potentials
Classical lattice gas automata effectively simulate physical processes such
as diffusion and fluid flow (in certain parameter regimes) despite their
simplicity at the microscale. Motivated by current interest in quantum
computation we recently defined quantum lattice gas automata; in this paper we
initiate a project to analyze which physical processes these models can
effectively simulate. Studying the single particle sector of a one dimensional
quantum lattice gas we find discrete analogues of plane waves and wave packets,
and then investigate their behaviour in the presence of inhomogeneous
potentials.Comment: 19 pages, plain TeX, 14 PostScript figures included with epsf.tex
(ignore the under/overfull \vbox error messages), two additional large
figures available upon reques
From quantum cellular automata to quantum lattice gases
A natural architecture for nanoscale quantum computation is that of a quantum
cellular automaton. Motivated by this observation, in this paper we begin an
investigation of exactly unitary cellular automata. After proving that there
can be no nontrivial, homogeneous, local, unitary, scalar cellular automaton in
one dimension, we weaken the homogeneity condition and show that there are
nontrivial, exactly unitary, partitioning cellular automata. We find a one
parameter family of evolution rules which are best interpreted as those for a
one particle quantum automaton. This model is naturally reformulated as a two
component cellular automaton which we demonstrate to limit to the Dirac
equation. We describe two generalizations of this automaton, the second of
which, to multiple interacting particles, is the correct definition of a
quantum lattice gas.Comment: 22 pages, plain TeX, 9 PostScript figures included with epsf.tex
(ignore the under/overfull \vbox error messages); minor typographical
corrections and journal reference adde
An explanation of interference effects in the double slit experiment: Classical trajectories plus ballistic diffusion caused by zero-point fluctuations
A classical explanation of interference effects in the double slit experiment
is proposed. We claim that for every single "particle" a thermal context can be
defined, which reflects its embedding within boundary conditions as given by
the totality of arrangements in an experimental apparatus. To account for this
context, we introduce a "path excitation field", which derives from the
thermodynamics of the zero-point vacuum and which represents all possible paths
a "particle" can take via thermal path fluctuations. The intensity distribution
on a screen behind a double slit is calculated, as well as the corresponding
trajectories and the probability density current. The trajectories are shown to
obey a "no crossing" rule with respect to the central line, i.e., between the
two slits and orthogonal to their connecting line. This agrees with the Bohmian
interpretation, but appears here without the necessity of invoking the quantum
potential.Comment: 26 pages, 6 figures; accepted version to be published in Annals of
Physics (2012
The Effect of Service on Research Performance: A Study on Italian Academics in Management
Academics all over the world are feeling the increasing pressure to attain satisfactory research performance. Since research is not the only activity required of academics, though, the debate on how it may be coupled with other knowledge transfer activities like teaching, patenting, and dissemination has been captivating scholars interested in higher education. Literature is surprisingly silent about the interplay between research performance and other roles and tasks that faculty are expected to carry out, namely academic citizenship, intended as the service that they provide to their institution, to the scientific community, and to the larger society. Through a negative binomial regression conducted on 692 Italian academics in management, this paper investigates both the direct and moderating effect exerted by academic citizenship on the relationship between research performance in two subsequent evaluation exercises, thus advancing our knowledge of the relationship between research and service. Findings show that institutional service acts as a pure moderator, discipline-based service is a quasi-moderator, while public service exerts only a direct negative effect on research performance. In light of the emergent interplay between research and service, the necessity to boost reflection on academic citizenship is discussed and suggestions for its acknowledgement and advancement are formulated