PHI 538 Philosophy of Physics

Foundations of Algebraic Quantum Theory

Spring 2004
Meetings: Fridays 1:00-3:50pm in the seminar room in Marx Hall. First meeting on Feb 6.

Organizer: Hans Halvorson

Description:

Foundational problems in the quantum theory of infinite systems (e.g., quantum field theory and quantum statistical mechanics). After covering the basics of the theory of operator algebras, we will tackle specific foundational problems: e.g., properties of the vacuum state, nonlocality and Bell's theorem in relativistic QFT, the non-existence of localized particles in relativistic quantum theories, inequivalent particle concepts (Rindler versus Minkowski quanta), measurement theory for continuous observables, the ontology of fields and observables, causality and interacting quantum fields (Haag's theorem), spontaneous symmetry breaking.

Syllabus:

• Basics
• The Reeh-Schlieder theorem
• Nonlocality and Bell's theorem
• Haag's theorem
• Galilei-invariant QFT
• Superselection theory
• Spontaneous symmetry breaking
• AdS/CFT Correspondence
• Modular theory and geometry
• Operations and measurement
• Miscellaneous further reading on foundations of QFT

Links

• Stephen Summers' AQFT page
• Some books on operator algebras
• Klaas Landsman's notes on C*-algebras
• An online book on C*-algebras by de la Harpe and Jones.



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H. Halvorson
Last modified: May 19, 2004