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dc.contributor.advisorWan, Kong K.
dc.contributor.authorMcLean, R. G. Derek
dc.coverage.spatialx, 144 p.en_US
dc.date.accessioned2018-06-11T14:27:08Z
dc.date.available2018-06-11T14:27:08Z
dc.date.issued1984
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/13909
dc.description.abstractThis thesis explores the possibility of an algebraic formulation of non-relativistic quantum theory in which certain paradoxes associated with non-locality may be resolved. It is shown that the localisation of a free quantum mechanical wave function at large time coincides approximately with the localisation of an ensemble of classical particles having the same momentum range. This result is used to give a formal definition of spatially separating states and spatially separating particles. We then study certain C*-algebras on which expectation values converge in an infinite time limit. By considering such algebras which contain local observables it is possible to introduce states at infinity as limits of states described by wave functions. In such a state at infinity there is zero probability of a position measurement finding the system in any bounded region in configuration space. It is shown that a C*-algebra exists on which any coherent superposition of spatially separating states will converge in an infinite time limit to a mixture of disjoint states. This allows us to obtain an asymptotic resolution of de Broglie's paradox and the Einstein, Podolsy and Rosen paradox. These results are obtained for the simplest types of quantum systems i.e. a one particle system without spin having configuration space IRⁿ and a system consisting of two such particles which may be distinguished from each other.en_US
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherUniversity of St Andrewsen
dc.subject.lccQA808.M6
dc.subject.lcshMechanics, analyticen
dc.titleAn algebraic formulation of asmptotically separable quantum mechanicsen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
dc.type.qualificationlevelDoctoralen_US
dc.type.qualificationnamePhD Doctor of Philosophyen_US
dc.publisher.institutionThe University of St Andrewsen_US


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