Origins of randomness in statistical and quantum mechanics

M. B. Weissman

doi:10.1117/12.727076

8 June 2007 Origins of randomness in statistical and quantum mechanics

M. B. Weissman

Proceedings Volume 6600, Noise and Fluctuations in Circuits, Devices, and Materials; 660002 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.727076
Event: SPIE Fourth International Symposium on Fluctuations and Noise, 2007, Florence, Italy

Abstract

There are three major sources of the 'randomness' underlying noise phenomena. These are the random outcomes of quantum 'measurement' processes, the random ensembles of statistical mechanics, and the algorithmic complexity of many dynamical processes. Here I dwell on the possible connections between the first two sources of randomness. It is often held that the empirical irreversibility of quantum measurement arises from statistical mechanics. I present somewhat speculative arguments that in fact the irreversible approach to statistical ensembles may be rooted in an irreversible quantum decoherence process.

Citation Download Citation

M. B. Weissman "Origins of randomness in statistical and quantum mechanics", Proc. SPIE 6600, Noise and Fluctuations in Circuits, Devices, and Materials, 660002 (8 June 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.727076

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