Physics

In this essay, I argue that modern science is not the dichotomous pairing of theory and experiment that it is typically presented as, and I offer an alternative paradigm defined by its functions as a human endeavor. I also demonstrate how certain sci- entific debates, such as the debate over the nature of the quantum state, can be partially resolved by this new paradigm.

We demonstrate that both Wigner's form of Bell's inequalities as well as a form of the second law of thermodynamics, as manifest in Carath\'{e}odory's principle, can be derived from the same simple experimental and statistical mechanical assumptions combined with the trivial behavior of integers. This suggests that Bell's theorem is merely a well-disguised statement of the second law. It also suggests that entanglement is necessary for quantum theory to be in full accord with the second law and thus builds on the results of Wiesniak, Vedral, and Brukner \cite{Marcin-Wiesniak:2008fv} who showed it was necessary for consistency with the third law.

In this article, I develop a formal model of free will for complex systems based on emergent properties and adaptive selection. The model is based on a process ontology in which a free choice is a singular process that takes a system from one macrostate to another. I quantify the model by introducing a formal measure of the ‘freedom’ of a singular choice. The ‘free will’ of a system, then, is emergent from the aggregate freedom of the choice processes carried out by the system. The focus in this model is on the actual choices themselves viewed in the context of processes. That is, the nature of the system making the choices is not considered. Nevertheless, my model does not necessarily conflict with models that are based on internal properties of the system. Rather it takes a behavioral approach by focusing on the externalities of the choice process.

Birkhoff's Theorem states that doubly stochastic matrices are convex combinations of permutation matrices. Quantum mechanically these matrices are doubly stochastic channels, i.e. they are completely positive maps preserving both the trace and the identity. We expect these channels to be convex combinations of unitary channels and yet it is known that some channels cannot be written that way. Recent work has suggested that n copies of a single channel might approximate a mixture (convex combination) of unitaries. In this paper we show that n(n + 1)/2 copies of a symmetric unital quantum channel may be arbitrarily-well approximated by a mixture (convex combination) of unitarily implemented channels. In addition, we prove that any extremal properties of a channel are preserved over n (and thus n(n + 1)/2) copies. The result has the potential to be completely generalized to include non-symmetric channels. I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND There is a famous theorem attributed to Garrett Birkhoff that states that doubly stochastic matrices are convex combinations of permutation matrices. In the quantum context, doubly stochastic matrices become doubly stochastic channels, i.e. completely positive maps preserving both the trace and the identity. Quantum mechanically we understand the permutations to be the unitarily implemented channels. That is, we expect doubly stochastic quantum channels to be convex combinations of unitary channels. Unfortunately it is wellknown that some quantum channels cannot be written that way [1, 2]. Recent work has suggested that n copies of a single channel might approximate a mixture (convex combina-*

What is physics? What are the limits of what physics can say about the world? In seeking ever-broader theoretical `umbrellas' for physical phenomena, we are seeking unifying principles. Emergent phenomena have turned out to be some of the most difficult to explain, causing a `clash of umbrellas' so-to-speak, at the interface between the quantum and classical domains. This essay explores the role of articulation in this particularly vexing problem and ultimately addresses the question of whether the language and mathematics we use to describe the universe is sufficient in its present form and application.

This article explores a relationship between the generalized form of Heisenberg's uncertainty relations and Bell-type inequalities in the context of their associated algebras. I begin by exploring the algebraic and logical background for each, drawing parallels and a noticeable symmetry. In addition I describe a thought experiment linking the conceptual foundation of one to a mathematical representation of the other. Finally, I explore the requirements for a more inscrutable relationship between the two pointing out the tantalizing questions this suggestion raises as well as potential answers. The purpose of this article is to show that there is more to this relationship than meets the eye and suggests that a very general Bell-like theorem can be interpreted as a limiting case of the broader generalized uncertainty principle. 1 Introduction 2 Foundations 2.1 Matrix algebra, operators, and uncertainty 2.2 Boolean algebra and Bell's theorem 3 Can position and momentum satisfy a Bell-type inequality? 4 Symmetry…or not? 4.1 To commute or to not commute 4.2 Origins of observables in the commutation relation 5 Conclusion and further suggestions

Is the universe digital or analog? In this essay I argue that both classical and quantum physics include limits that prevent us from definitively answering that question. That quantum physics does so is no surprise. That classical physics does so is rather unexpected. In fact, I argue that classical physics is itself really nothing more than a convenient approximation. Either way, it turns out that our knowledge of the universe is discrete and so it is extraordinarily difficult, perhaps even impossible, to determine the underlying continuity of the universe itself.

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This paper follows up on a recent pre-print (Durham [2005]) by first deriving a set theoretic relationship between the generalized uncertainty relations and the Clauser-Horne inequalities. The physical, metaphysical, and metamathematical implications and problems are then explored. The discussion builds on previous work by Pitowsky [1994] and suggests that there is a fundamental problem in quantum correlation that could potentially lead to a paradox. It leaves open the question of whether the problem is in experiment, theory, or phenomena. 1 Introduction 2 Preliminaries 3 A Meta Challenge 3.1 Metamathematics 3.2 Metaphysics 4 Implications and Interpretation 5 Conclusion and further suggestions

The derivation of Bell inequalities in terms of quantum statistical (thermodynamic) entropies is considered. Inequalities of the Wigner form are derived but shown to be extremely limiting in their applicability due to the nature of the density matrices involved. This also helps to identify a limitation in the Cerf-Adami inequalities.

We show that a two-level atom resonantly coupled to one of the modes of a cavity field can be used as a sensitive tool to measure the proper acceleration of a combined atom-cavity system. To achieve it we investigate the relation between the transition probability of a two-level atom placed within an ideal cavity and study how it is affected by the acceleration of the whole. We indicate how to choose the position of the atom as well as its characteristic frequency in order to maximize the sensitivity to acceleration.