Modern Theoretical Physics (Spring 2007)

The old Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics associated with Niels Bohr is giving way to a more profound interpretation based on the idea of quantum entanglement. Entanglement not only replaces the obsolete notion of the collapse of the wave function but it is also the basis for Bell's famous theorem, the new paradigm of quantum computing, and finally the widely discussed "Many Worlds" interpretation of quantum mechanics of Everett. This course stands on its own, but also serves as a continuation of a year-long course series looking at the basics of quantum mechanics, entanglement, Bell's theorems, elements of quantum computing, quantum teleportation, and similar material. Presented by the Stanford Continuing Studies Program.