Space and time as outcome of ``decoherence`` in an expanding universe
This paper discusses a quantum-cosmological model. The model avoids a priori classical ideas, even spacetime, by invoking a pair of established general principles that relate to each other: (a) Parameter largeness can endow physical approximations with accuracy; and (b) Coherent states labeled by large parameters provide a quantum basis for classical ideas. Generally speaking, the technical term `coherent state` refers to a special category of Hilbert-space vector that relates to some Lie group unitarily representable within Hilbert space. In the Hilbert space of the quantum-cosmological model discussed, labels on basis vectors lack physical interpretation, but groups unitarily represented include not only the Heisenberg-Weyl group but the Poincare group. Corresponding large-parameter coherent states are interpretable in terms of events and particles: a quantam-based meaning of classical objective reality in 3+1 spacetime is thereby achievable.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00098
- OSTI ID:
- 10170369
- Report Number(s):
- LBL-33027; ON: DE93016199; TRN: AHC29304%%16
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Nov 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Space and time from quantum mechanics
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