Mathematical Physics Seminar

Effective Dynamics in Quantum Theory

Juerg Froehlich, Professor, Physics, ETH Zurich and IAS Princeton,

After a short general review of typical examples of "effective quantum dynamics" I focus on a study

of the effects of thermal noise on the motion of a quantum particle in a random potential.

I review a result appearing in joint work with Jeffrey Schenker that says that thermal noise

always destroys Anderson localization and leads to diffusive motion.

Subsequently, I describe results concerning the dynamics of a simple quantum-mechanical system

undergoing repeated measurements. "Purification" and the appearance of "quantum jumps" are analyzed.

Event Sponsors:

For more information, please contact Rupert Frank by email at [email protected] or visit http://www.math.caltech.edu/~rlfrank/seminar.html.