Instructors: Raymond Laflamme, IQC & Perimeter Institute and Joseph Emerson, University of Waterloo
Type: Guelph Waterloo Physics Institute & University of Waterloo credit course
Dates: January 12 - April 12, 2010; Tuesdays, 2:30 - 3:50 pm, Bob Room and Thursdays, 2:30 - 3:50 pm, RAC 2009

Motivation: From a practical point of view, quantum theory has been an enormously successful theory. It correctly predicts both non-relativistic and relativistic phenomena to extraordinary precision and has driven major technological developments such as the laser, superconductivity and micro-circuitry. More recently, we have seen the coherence and entanglement of single quantum systems veri ed routinely in todays labs and these distinctive quantum phenomena are now being directly exploited as the basis for emerging quantum technologies. And yet, in spite of these successes, there are questions and controversy surrounding very basic issues about the physical nature of the theory. While such questions are sometimes dismissed as mere philosophy, the study of these foundational issues has played a critical role in conceptual breakthroughs in areas ranging from quantum computation and quantum cryptography to the nature of quantum chaos and the quantum-classical transition.

Description: After a review of the axiomatic formulation of quantum theory, the generalized operational structure of the theory will be introduced (including POVM measurements, sequential measurements, and CP maps). There will be an introduction to the orthodox (sometimes called Copenhagen) interpretation of quantum mechanics and the historical problems/issues/debates regarding that interpretation, in particular, the measurement problem and the EPR paradox, and a discussion of contemporary views on these topics. The majority of the course lectures will consist of guest lectures from international experts covering the various approaches to the interpretation of quantum theory (in particular, many-worlds, de Broglie-Bohm, consistent/decoherent histories, and statistical/epistemic interpretations, as time permits) and fundamental properties and tests of quantum theory (such as entanglement and experimental tests of Bell inequalities, contextuality, macroscopic quantum phenomena, and the problem of quantum gravity, as time permits).

For more information on this course, please click here.

NOTE: This course may be taken for credit by qualified students at any Ontario university with the permission of their departmental graduate advisor. The course is presently approved for credit at the University of Waterloo and GWPI. Students who wish to register for credit from another Ontario university should ask their graduate advisor to contact Debbie Guenther to make the necessary arrangements.