A ``problem of time''' in the multiplicative scheme for the n-site hopper
File(s)
Author(s)
Wilkes, H
Dowker, H
Lewandowski, C
Havlicek, V
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Quantum measure theory (QMT) is an approach to quantum mechanics, based on the path integral, in which quantum theory is conceived of as a generalised stochastic process. One of the postulates of QMT is that events with zero quantum measure do not occur, however this is not sufficient to give a full picture of the quantum world. Determining the other postulates is a work in progress and this paper investigates a proposal called the multiplicative scheme for QMT in which the physical world corresponds, essentially, to a set of histories from the path integral. This scheme is applied to Sorkin's n-site hopper, a discrete, unitary model of a single particle on a ring of n sites, motivated by free Schrödinger propagation. It is shown that the multiplicative scheme's global features lead to the conclusion that no non-trivial, time-finite event can occur.
Date Issued
2017-10-16
Date Acceptance
2017-09-21
Citation
Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical, 2017, 50
ISSN
1751-8113
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical
Volume
50
Copyright Statement
Original content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
License URL
Sponsor
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Grant Number
ST/G000743/1
ST/J000353/1
ST/L00044X/1
Subjects
quant-ph
01 Mathematical Sciences
02 Physical Sciences
Mathematical Physics
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
455303