Topics in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics

量子力学是一种微观物理学理论，是本世纪许多技术进步的基础。然而，它与宏观世界的界面仍然存在一些谜题。在统计力学中，对这种界面的系统研究本身就与不可逆性的起源有关。研究者建议将这些问题与一个共同的解决方案交织在一起，并在最近的一本书中总结了他之前的出版物，“时间之箭和量子测量”（剑桥大学出版社，1997年）。在这一领域继续进行的研究将主要包括加强书中提出的实验测试。这个项目的一个令人鼓舞的方面是，所涉及的实验技术类似于目前正在开发的量子计算和量子密码学（特别是一些EPR对工作）。研究者的其他研究将涉及费曼路径积分的发展，特别是其在纯拉格朗日理论中的应用。最后，统计力学方面的合作工作将包括对非平衡系统的抽象研究，以及对沸石和其他光化学问题的实际应用。

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.