Wednesday Colloquia

Quantum Mechanics Out of the Box: Reconstruction Without Foundational Problems

by Prof. C. S. Unnikrishnan (DHEP-TIFR, Mumbai)

Wednesday, February 6, 2019 from to (Asia/Kolkata)
at Lecture Theatre ( AG-66 )
TIFR
Description
Quantum mechanics is believed to be the universal theory of physical phenomena. Its empirical success and reach are unprecedented. Yet, there is no satisfactory interpretation of quantum mechanics. The theory is beset with several foundational problems.  Well known among its 'birth defects' are the 'collapse of the wavefunction' and the  'quantum measurement problem'. These issues swell to a bizarre and  irrational plane with the ‘Nonlocality’ associated with quantum  entanglement. Then, there is the quantum-classical divide between the microscopic and the macroscopic worlds. We know about the Cat that was immortalized, assigned to bridge these worlds, and destined to die by atomic chance.
	I present the reconstruction of quantum mechanics that liberates the theory from ALL its vexing foundational problems. This is not a reinterpretation, but a reconstruction with a new physical input for universal dynamics. Now we can not only calculate, but also understand quantum mechanics. My reconstruction that eliminates all foundational problems and anomalies in one stroke, preserving the empirical reach of the theory, marks a definite closure to the ‘quantum debates’ after the long history of excitement, lament, insights, and confusion.