Quantum Structural Studies: Classical Emergence from the Quantum Level

The structural aspects of composite quantum systems in the foundation, interpretation and application of quantum theory is an increasingly prominent topic of physics research. As an emerging field, it seeks to understand the origins of the classical world of experience from the quantum level.

Quantum Structural Studies presents conceptual fundamentals and mathematical methods for investigating the structuring of quantum systems into subsystems. Split into four sections, the topics covered include the historical and philosophical aspects of quantum structures, specific interpretive approaches and ontologies, and alternative methodological approaches to quantum mechanics. Questions addressed are:

• Can the classically relevant degrees of freedom (such as the center of mass) be considered physically realistic, and if so, in what sense?
• In what sense might various emergent structures be relevant for the transition from the quantum description to the classical?
• Do suggested new approaches describe phenomenology and proposals for new experiments?

Specialists, graduate students and researchers seeking an introduction to the field of emergent structures and new directions for research and experimentation can use this book to find up-to-date representative texts and reviews.

Ruth E. Kastner is a Research Associate and member of the Foundations of Physics group at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is the recipient of two National Science Foundation research awards for research in time symmetry issues and the transactional interpretation.

George Jaroszkiewicz is an Associate Professor at the School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, having formerly held positions at the University of Oxford and the University of Kent.