More Than One Mystery: Explorations in Quantum Interference

"I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum mechanics." #Richard Feynman#Basing his discussion on a small number of conceptually simple models (the two-level atom, the two-slit interferometer), the author addresses a number of conceptually interesting questions concerning the puzzles of quantum mechanics. Though the phenomena arising from quantum interference are central, he maintains that they are not the only mystery in quantum the deep connection between spin and the statistics of identical particles, the "ghostly" long-range effects that correlated particles exert on each other, and the perplexing role of topology in the interactions of charged particles and electromagnetic fields, are all conundrums yet to be understood.

By examining a few conceptually simple models, such as the two-level atom and the two-slit interferometer, Silverman probesthe perplexing consequences of the 'ghostly' long-range effects that correlated particles exert on each other, the deep connection between spin and the statistics of identical particles, and the fundamental role of topology it he interactions of charged particles and electromagnetic fields. Silverman--whose experimental and theoretical work on election interferometry, atomic spectroscopy, and the optics of chiral media is internationally recognized--concludes authoritatively: There is more than one mystery in the intriguing world of quantum mechanics.