Topics in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics

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Quantum mechanics is a theory of microscopic physics that underlies many of the technological advances of the century. Nevertheless, there continue to be puzzles connected with its interface with the macroscopic world. The systematic study of that interface, within statistical mechanics, has puzzles of its own connected to the origins of irreversibility. The Investigator has suggested an intertwining of these problems with a common resolution, and has summarized his previous publications in a recent book, `Time's Arrows and Quantum Measurement` (Cambridge Univ. Press, 1997). Continued research in this area will consist mainly in the sharpening of experimental tests proposed in the book. An encouraging aspect of this project is that the experimental techniques involved are similar to those presently being developed for quantum computing and quantum cryptography (especially some of the EPR pair work). Other research by the Investigator will concern developments in the Feynman path integral, especially its application to Lagrangian-only theories. Finally, collaborative work in statistical mechanics will involve abstract studies on non- equilibrium systems as well as practical applications to zeolites and other problems in photochemistry.