This book is an introduction to the arrow of time in thermodynamics and cosmology, and develops a new quantum measurement theory in which the foregoing concepts play an essential role. The first chapter is an overview and "route map" and is followed by an exposition of irreversibility, the expansion of the universe and other arrows of time. The author examines the thesis that the thermodynamic arrow follows the cosmological one, and in doing so extends traditional statistical mechanics. The second part of the book presents a new theory of quantum measurement and possible experimental tests. This theory incorporates the extended statistical mechanics in an essential way. The last chapter discusses open experimental and theoretical issues. Written in a lively and accessible style, the text is liberally sprinkled with exercises. Each chapter ends with a resources section that includes notes, further reading, and technical appendices. This book will fascinate graduate students in physics, cosmology, and the philosophy of physics.
Author(s): L. S. Schulman
Series: Cambridge monographs on mathematical physics
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Year: 1997
Language: English
Pages: 368
Cover
Summary
Title page
Contents
Preface
1 Introduction
2 Irreversibility
3 Arrows of time
4 Correlating arrows of time
5 Two-time boundary value problems
6 Quantum measurements: cats, clouds and everything else
7 Existence of special states
8 Selection of special states
9 Abundance of special states
10 Experimental tests
11 Conclusions and outlook
Author index
Index
