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1 Theory of Local Times

Hitoshi Kitada

Published Jan 1, 1994• 16 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Summary. — A model of a stationary universe is proposed. In this framework, time is defined as a local and quantum-mechanical notion in the sense that it is defined for each local and quantum-mechanical system consisting of finite number of particles. The total universe consisting of infinite number of particles has no time associated. It is a stationary bound state of the total Hamiltonian of infinite degrees of freedom. The quantum mechanics and the theory of general relativity are consistently united in this context if one uses this notion of local and quantum-mechanical time. As one of the consequences, the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox is resolved. The Hubble red-shift is explained as a consequence of general relativity which is consistent with quantum mechanics. This does not require us to argue on the beginning nor the end of the universe. The universe just exists without time. PACS O3.65.Bz- Foundations, theory of measurement, miscellaneous theories. 1. – Introduction. As stated in the abstract, the main theme of the paper is to present one possible consistent unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity. This is stated intentionally

Related papers

Local Time and the Unification of Physics Part I. Local Time

Hitoshi Kitada, Lancelot R. Fletcher

The notions of time in the theories of Newton and Einstein are reviewed so that the difficulty which impedes the unification of quantum mechanics (QM) and general relativity (GR) is clarified. It is seen that GR by itself contains an intrinsic difficulty relating to the definition of local clocks, as well as that GR still requires a kind of absolute that can serve as an objective reference standard. We present a new understanding of time, which gives a consistent definition of a local time associated with each local system in a quantum mechanical way, so that it serves the requirements of both GR as well as QM. As a consequence, QM and GR are reconciled while preserving the current mathematical formulations of both theories.

arXiv:gr-qc/0110065•Oct 14, 2001•8 citations

Local Time and the Unification of Physics Part II. Local System

Hitoshi Kitada

As a continuation of Part I [8], a more precise formulation of local time and local system is given. The observation process is reflected in order to give a relation between the classical physics for centers of mass of local systems and the quantum mechanics inside a local system. The relation will give a unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity in some cases. The existence of local time and local motion is proved so that the stationary nature of the universe is shown to be consistent with the local motion.

arXiv:gr-qc/0110066•Oct 14, 2001•0 citations

Quantum Mechanics

Hitoshi Kitada

I consider in this book a formulation of Quantum Mechanics. Usually QM is formulated based on the notion of time and space, both of which are thought a priori given quantities or notions. However, when we try to define the notion of velocity or momentum, we encounter a difficulty as we will see in chapter 1. The problem is that if the notion of time is given a priori, the velocity is definitely determined when given a position, which contradicts the uncertainty principle of Heisenberg. We then set the basis of QM on the notion of position and momentum operators as in chapter 2. Time of a local system then is defined approximately as a ratio $|x|/|v|$ between the space coordinate $x$ and the velocity $v$. In this formulation of QM, we can keep the uncertainty principle, and time is a quantity that does not have precise values unlike the usually supposed notion of time has. The feature of local time is that it is a time proper to each local system, which is defined as a finite set of quantum mechanical particles. We now have an infinite number of local times that are unique and proper to each local system. Based on the notion of local time, the motion inside a local system is described by the usual Schrödinger equation. We investigate such motion in a given local system in part II. This is a usual quantum mechanics. After some excursion of the investigation of local motion, we consider in part III the relative relation or motion between plural local systems. In the final part IV, we will prove that there is at least one Universe wave function $ϕ$ in which all local systems have local motions and thus local times. This concludes our formulation of Quantum Mechanics.

arXiv:quant-ph/0410061•Oct 8, 2004•0 citations

LOCAL CAUSALITY AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF QUANTUM MECHANICS

Robert S. Goldstein

Quantum mechanics implies the existence of correlations which cannot be described by any local theory. These nonlocal correlations possibly suggest the existence of particles traveling faster than light (tachyons). But the potential paradoxes associated with their existence imply that, even i f these tachyons do exist, it should not be possible to control them in a manner necessary for human superluminal (faster than light) communication. Indeed, the unitary nature of the time development operator precludes the possibility of using non-local correlations to communicate superluminally within the quantum formalism. A simplified model which preserves unitary time development i s shown to be useful in studying 'thought experiments' which appear init ially to allow for superluminal communication. The consistency of quantum mechanics is questioned when measurements of retarded fields are considered. I f certain idealized measurements are possible in principle, then the quantum formalism appears inconsistent. I f the measurements are not possible in principle, then 'state reduct ion' (non-unitary time evolution of the state operator) in a pragmatic sense can be said to have occurred. The suggestion that tachyons be used to explain the non-local correlations i s abandoned in favor of another model whose philosophy is supported by the tenets of relativity theory. Such a model may imply the existence of a more general quantum theory where a quantum system itself can be taken as a (generalized) frame of reference.

•Jan 1, 1987•0 citations

Quantum Mechanics

Hitoshi Kitada

I consider in this book a formulation of Quantum Mechanics. Usually QM is formulated based on the notion of time and space, both of which are thought a priori given quantities or notions. However, when we try to define the notion of velocity or momentum, we encounter a difficulty as we will see in chapter 1. The problem is that if the notion of time is given a priori, the velocity is definitely determined when given a position, which contradicts the uncertainty principle of Heisenberg. We then set the basis of QM on the notion of position and momentum operators as in chapter 2. Time of a local system then is defined approximately as a ratio $|x|/|v|$ between the space coordinate $x$ and the velocity $v$. In this formulation of QM, we can keep the uncertainty principle, and time is a quantity that does not have precise values unlike the usually supposed notion of time has. The feature of local time is that it is a time proper to each local system, which is defined as a finite set of quantum mechanical particles. We now have an infinite number of local times that are unique and proper to each local system. Based on the notion of local time, the motion inside a local system is described by the usual Schrodinger equation. We investigate such motion in a given local system in part II. This is a usual quantum mechanics. After some excursion of the investigation of local motion, we consider in part III the relative relation or motion between plural local systems. In the final part IV, we will prove that there is at least one Universe wave function $\phi$ in which all local systems have local motions and thus local times. This concludes our formulation of Quantum Mechanics.

•Oct 8, 2004•2 citations

Time in a quantum mechanical world

David Thomas Pegg

In quantum mechanics it is usual to represent physical reality as a vector in Hilbert space at a particular time, with evolution being governed by Schrodinger's equation which involves an externally imposed time parameter. This leads to difficulties if one wishes to regard the universe as a quantum mechanical system, because there should no time external to such a system. The approach in this paper is to represent the totality of reality as a vector in Hilbert space. The author shows how time evolution follows, where time now is defined in terms of the states of a quantum mechanical clock which is part of the system. Rather than the correlation between the clock states and the states of the rest of the system arising because both are governed by an imposed law involving an external time parameter, it is seen that this correlation is of the separation-independent Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen type. The total reality vector, which incorporates the whole history of the system, is shown to be a zero-energy eigenstate of the system Hamiltonian. He discusses systems of finite and infinite lifetime, and is able to answer the question: what was the state before the initial state? He concludes that the quantum mechanical system of this paper is a reasonable representation of the observed universe.

Journal of Physics A Mathematical and General•Jul 7, 1991•23 citations
Summary. — A model of a stationary universe is proposed. In this framework, time is defined as a local and quantum-mechanical notion in the sense that it is defined for each local and quantum-mechanical system consisting of finite number of particles. The total universe consisting of infinite number of particles has no time associated. It is a stationary bound state of the total Hamiltonian of infinite degrees of freedom. The quantum mechanics and the theory of general relativity are consistently united in this context if one uses this notion of local and quantum-mechanical time. As one of the consequences, the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox is resolved. The Hubble red-shift is explained as a consequence of general relativity which is consistent with quantum mechanics. This does not require us to argue on the beginning nor the end of the universe. The universe just exists without time. PACS O3.65.Bz- Foundations, theory of measurement, miscellaneous theories. 1. – Introduction. As stated in the abstract, the main theme of the paper is to present one possible consistent unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity. This is stated intentionally
The notions of time in the theories of Newton and Einstein are reviewed so that the difficulty which impedes the unification of quantum mechanics (QM) and general relativity (GR) is clarified. It is seen that GR by itself contains an intrinsic difficulty relating to the definition of local clocks, as well as that GR still requires a kind of absolute that can serve as an objective reference standard. We present a new understanding of time, which gives a consistent definition of a local time associated with each local system in a quantum mechanical way, so that it serves the requirements of both GR as well as QM. As a consequence, QM and GR are reconciled while preserving the current mathematical formulations of both theories.
As a continuation of Part I [8], a more precise formulation of local time and local system is given. The observation process is reflected in order to give a relation between the classical physics for centers of mass of local systems and the quantum mechanics inside a local system. The relation will give a unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity in some cases. The existence of local time and local motion is proved so that the stationary nature of the universe is shown to be consistent with the local motion.
I consider in this book a formulation of Quantum Mechanics. Usually QM is formulated based on the notion of time and space, both of which are thought a priori given quantities or notions. However, when we try to define the notion of velocity or momentum, we encounter a difficulty as we will see in chapter 1. The problem is that if the notion of time is given a priori, the velocity is definitely determined when given a position, which contradicts the uncertainty principle of Heisenberg. We then set the basis of QM on the notion of position and momentum operators as in chapter 2. Time of a local system then is defined approximately as a ratio ∣x∣/∣v∣|x|/|v|∣x∣/∣v∣ between the space coordinate xxx and the velocity vvv. In this formulation of QM, we can keep the uncertainty principle, and time is a quantity that does not have precise values unlike the usually supposed notion of time has. The feature of local time is that it is a time proper to each local system, which is defined as a finite set of quantum mechanical particles. We now have an infinite number of local times that are unique and proper to each local system. Based on the notion of local time, the motion inside a local system is described by the usual Schrödinger equation. We investigate such motion in a given local system in part II. This is a usual quantum mechanics. After some excursion of the investigation of local motion, we consider in part III the relative relation or motion between plural local systems. In the final part IV, we will prove that there is at least one Universe wave function ϕϕϕ in which all local systems have local motions and thus local times. This concludes our formulation of Quantum Mechanics.
Quantum mechanics implies the existence of correlations which cannot be described by any local theory. These nonlocal correlations possibly suggest the existence of particles traveling faster than light (tachyons). But the potential paradoxes associated with their existence imply that, even i f these tachyons do exist, it should not be possible to control them in a manner necessary for human superluminal (faster than light) communication. Indeed, the unitary nature of the time development operator precludes the possibility of using non-local correlations to communicate superluminally within the quantum formalism. A simplified model which preserves unitary time development i s shown to be useful in studying 'thought experiments' which appear init ially to allow for superluminal communication. The consistency of quantum mechanics is questioned when measurements of retarded fields are considered. I f certain idealized measurements are possible in principle, then the quantum formalism appears inconsistent. I f the measurements are not possible in principle, then 'state reduct ion' (non-unitary time evolution of the state operator) in a pragmatic sense can be said to have occurred. The suggestion that tachyons be used to explain the non-local correlations i s abandoned in favor of another model whose philosophy is supported by the tenets of relativity theory. Such a model may imply the existence of a more general quantum theory where a quantum system itself can be taken as a (generalized) frame of reference.
I consider in this book a formulation of Quantum Mechanics. Usually QM is formulated based on the notion of time and space, both of which are thought a priori given quantities or notions. However, when we try to define the notion of velocity or momentum, we encounter a difficulty as we will see in chapter 1. The problem is that if the notion of time is given a priori, the velocity is definitely determined when given a position, which contradicts the uncertainty principle of Heisenberg. We then set the basis of QM on the notion of position and momentum operators as in chapter 2. Time of a local system then is defined approximately as a ratio ∣x∣/∣v∣|x|/|v|∣x∣/∣v∣ between the space coordinate xxx and the velocity vvv. In this formulation of QM, we can keep the uncertainty principle, and time is a quantity that does not have precise values unlike the usually supposed notion of time has. The feature of local time is that it is a time proper to each local system, which is defined as a finite set of quantum mechanical particles. We now have an infinite number of local times that are unique and proper to each local system. Based on the notion of local time, the motion inside a local system is described by the usual Schrodinger equation. We investigate such motion in a given local system in part II. This is a usual quantum mechanics. After some excursion of the investigation of local motion, we consider in part III the relative relation or motion between plural local systems. In the final part IV, we will prove that there is at least one Universe wave function ϕ\phiϕ in which all local systems have local motions and thus local times. This concludes our formulation of Quantum Mechanics.
In quantum mechanics it is usual to represent physical reality as a vector in Hilbert space at a particular time, with evolution being governed by Schrodinger's equation which involves an externally imposed time parameter. This leads to difficulties if one wishes to regard the universe as a quantum mechanical system, because there should no time external to such a system. The approach in this paper is to represent the totality of reality as a vector in Hilbert space. The author shows how time evolution follows, where time now is defined in terms of the states of a quantum mechanical clock which is part of the system. Rather than the correlation between the clock states and the states of the rest of the system arising because both are governed by an imposed law involving an external time parameter, it is seen that this correlation is of the separation-independent Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen type. The total reality vector, which incorporates the whole history of the system, is shown to be a zero-energy eigenstate of the system Hamiltonian. He discusses systems of finite and infinite lifetime, and is able to answer the question: what was the state before the initial state? He concludes that the quantum mechanical system of this paper is a reasonable representation of the observed universe.