A Mechanistic Reading of Quantum Laser Theory

Jonathan Powers

First Published in 1982 Philosophy and the New Physics is a compact and yet remarkably rich excursion through the history of physics from Newtonian mechanics to quantum physics. The theory of relativity, quantum mechanics and ideas about the ‘fundamental constituents’ of matter have attracted a great deal of philosophical comment. Indeed, the originators of some of these theories thought they were solving philosophical problems as well as scientific ones. Classical physics is often portrayed as epitomizing ‘mechanistic materialism’, and the revolution in modern physics is variously claimed to vindicate ‘logical positivism’, ‘operationalism’, ‘organicism’, ‘dialectical materialism’ and ‘Buddhist metaphysics’. In this book Jonathan Powers criticizes all of these claims and argues that such varied and conflicting interpretations are possible because of ineradicable elements of conventionality in scientific theories. This is a must read for scholars and researchers of philosophy of science and philosophy in general.

Pierre Meystre, Murray Sargent

A. Eilam, M. Shapiro

We present a fully quantum-mechanical theory of the mutual light-matter effects when two laser pulses interact with three discrete states coupled to a (quasi)continuum. Our formulation uses a single set of equations to describe the time dependence of the discrete and continuum populations, as well as pulse propagation in electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) situations, for both weak and strong laser pulses. The theory gives a mechanistic picture of the ``slowing down of light'' and the state of spontaneously emitted photons during this process. Surprising features regarding the time dependence of material and radiative transients as well as limitations on quantum light storage and retrieval are unraveled.

Pierre Meystre, Murray Sargent

Adrien Vila Valls

Many authors have claimed that the prevalence of a rationalist and positivist philosophy among French physicists was an obstacle in the reception of quantum mechanics in France. Without challenging the basic tenet of this thesis, the present study tends to qualify it. An overview of the epistemological reception of quantum mechanics among the main theoretical physicists of the 30s and 40s shows that these theorists negotiated a reading of quantum mechanics that enabled them to maintain their philosophical outlook. In this perspective, what I call a « crypto-mechanist » interpretation of the measurement process, despite its ambiguity, played an important role, making it possible to reconcile a causal rationalism with a positivist posture.