1 The Time–Energy Uncertainty Relation

Paul Busch

Published May 11, 2001• 77 citations

Abstract

The time energy uncertainty relation has been a controversial issue since the advent of quantum theory, with respect to appropriate formalisation, validity and possible meanings. A comprehensive account of the development of this subject up to the 1980s is provided by a combination of the reviews of Jammer (1974), Bauer and Mello (1978), and Busch (1990). More recent reviews are concerned with different specific aspects of the subject. The purpose of this chapter is to show that different types of time energy uncertainty relation can indeed be deduced in specific contexts, but that there is no unique universal relation that could stand on equal footing with the position-momentum uncertainty relation. To this end, we will survey the various formulations of a time energy uncertainty relation, with a brief assessment of their validity, and along the way we will indicate some new developments that emerged since the 1990s.

Related papers

The Explanatory Context of Energy-Time Uncertainty Relation

Zhao Da

There are many controversies on energy—time uncertainty relation. Because of the confused role time plays in quantum mechanics, the references and meanings of energy—time uncertainty relation are different in different explanatory contexts. But what do time and energy really mean? What is the philosophical foundation of this relationship? The article bases on the three different meanings of time in quantum mechanics, discusses the references and meanings of energy—time uncertainty relation in various contexts, and aims to clarify the confusion on the references and the meanings of the uncertainty relation between energy and time.

Ziran bianzhengfa tongxunJan 1, 20070 citations

On Time in Quantum Physics

Jeremy Butterfield

First, I briefly review the different conceptions of time held by three rival interpretations of quantum theory: the collapse of the wave-packet, the pilot-wave interpretation, and the Everett interpretation (Section 2). Then I turn to a much less controversial task: to expound the recent understanding of the time-energy uncertainty principle, and indeed of uncertainty principles in general, that has been established by such authors as Busch, Hilgevoord and Uffink. Although this may at first seem a narrow topic, I point out connections to other conceptual topics about time in quantum theory: for example, the question under what circumstances there is a time operator (Section 4.3).

arXiv:1406.4745Jun 18, 20140 citations

Time in Quantum Mechanics

Jan Hilgevoord, David Atkinson

Unlike classical mechanics, quantum mechanics assumes the famous Heisenberg uncertainty relations. One of these concerns time: the energy–time uncertainty relation. Unlike the canonical position–momentum uncertainty relation, the energy–time relation is not reflected in the operator formalism of quantum theory. Indeed, it is often said and taken as problematic that there is not a so-called “time operator” in quantum theory. This chapter sheds light on these questions and others, including the absorbing matter of whether quantum mechanics allows for the existence of ideal clocks. The second section notes that quantum mechanics does not involve a special problem for time, and that there is no fundamental asymmetry between space and time in quantum mechanics over and above the asymmetry which already exists in classical physics. The third section studies time operators in detail. The fourth section discusses various uncertainty relations involving time.

Oxford University Press eBooksSep 2, 201137 citations

On the Energy-Time Uncertainty Relations: A didactical note for undergraduate students

Gastón E. Giribet

The purpose of this brief note is that of discussing the meaning of the uncertainty relations involving energy and time in quantum mechanics by means of a reading of the classical works on the subject. This was written for undergraduate students attending to an introductory course in quantum mechanics.

arXiv:physics/0506001May 31, 20050 citations

Time as non‐observational knowledge: How to straighten outΔEΔt≥h

Constantin Antonopoulos

The Energy‐Time Uncertainty (ETU) has always been a problem‐ridden relation, its problems stemming uniquely from the perplexing question of how to understand this mysterious Δt. On the face of it (and, indeed, far deeper than that), we always know what time it is. Few theorists were ignorant of the fact that time in quantum mechanics is exogenously defined, in no ways intrinsically related to the system. Time in quantum theory is an independent parameter, which simply means independently known. In the early 1960s Aharonov (1961–64) and Bohm (1961–64) mounted a spirited attack against the ETU, which sealed its fate to the present date. By emphasising that time is always “well‐defined” in quantum theory, they were led to the conclusion that no ETU should exist, a view shared by many in the 1990s, if Busch (1990) is to be believed. In a similar vein, I emphasize that (a) physical systems occupy a particular energy state at a particular instant of time, if at all; (b) even in absence of all time‐measuring instruments, it is still trivially warranted that one can measure a system's energy as accurately as one pleases, and simply announce “The system's energy is exactly E NOW!”, a possibility which no quantum mechanics of any sort, or any physical theory whatsoever, can afford to tamper with or change, except circularly. One never loses one's own perception of time, when one measures the energy, a fact which no measurement conceivable can interfere with or affect. Both (a) and (b) uniquely entail that energy and time are compatible, if not indeed intimately interconnected, contrary to what the relevant uncertainty seems to affirm. In response to Aharonov's and Bohm's initial problem, I reinterpret ΔEΔt ≥ h, as directly derived from authentic quantum principles, without however having to assume a direct incompatibility between its related concepts, attributing their complementarity to conditions other than ordinarily assumed.

International Studies in the Philosophy of ScienceJul 1, 19972 citations

A brief review on uncertainty principle and its variants

Manas Protim Saikia

In this paper, using two different formulations, we attempted to first provide an overview of mathematical interpretations of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. This was done in order to emphasise the mathematical justification for the uncertainty principle's existence. First, we went over in detail the matrix formulation found in Schrodinger's original paper on uncertainty. Next, we reviewed the mathematical proof of the uncertainty principle in a Fourier series formulation and examined the results. We attempted to provide a comprehensive overview of the modified forms of the uncertainty relation in the Quantum Gravitational, Relativistic, and Entropic domains along with other variants after realizing that the most well-known uncertainty relation is not universal. All of these concepts also demonstrate a great deal of potential for use in the emerging new technologies. Our goal was to gather all of these dispersed variations of the uncertainty principle in one location. The current state of these theories, as well as their applications and limitations, are thoroughly discussed.

Journal of Advanced Education and SciencesJan 1, 20260 citations