A Relational Approach to Quantum Mechanics, Part I: Formulation

Non-relativistic quantum mechanics is reformulated here based on the idea that relational properties among quantum systems, instead of the independent properties of a quantum system, are the most fundamental elements to construct quantum mechanics. This idea, combining with the emphasis that measurement of a quantum system is a bidirectional interaction process, leads to a new framework to calculate the probability of an outcome when measuring a quantum system. In this framework, the most basic variable is the relational probability amplitude. Probability is calculated as summation of weights from the alternative measurement configurations. The properties of quantum systems, such as superposition and entanglement, are manifested through the rules of counting the alternatives. Wave function and reduced density matrix are derived from the relational probability amplitude matrix. They are found to be secondary mathematical tools that equivalently describe a quantum system without explicitly calling out the reference system. Schr\"{o}dinger Equation is obtained when there is no entanglement in the relational probability amplitude matrix. Feynman Path Integral is used to calculate the relational probability amplitude, and is further generalized to formulate the reduced density matrix. In essence, quantum mechanics is reformulated as a theory that describes physical systems in terms of relational properties.Comment: 19 pages, 2 figures, article split into 3 parts during refereeing, minor correction. Adding journal reference for part

Quantum steering of electron wave function in an InAs Y-branch switch

We report experiments on gated Y-branch switches made from InAs ballistic electron wave guides. We demonstrate that gating modifies the electron wave functions as well as their interference pattern, causing the anti-correlated, oscillatory transconductances. Such previously unexpected phenomenon provides evidence of steering the electron wave function in a multi-channel transistor structure.Comment: 15 pages, including 3 figure

Ferromagnetic Transition in One-Dimensional Itinerant Electron Systems

We use bosonization to derive the effective field theory that properly describes ferromagnetic transition in one-dimensional itinerant electron systems. The resultant theory is shown to have dynamical exponent z=2 at tree leve and upper critical dimension d_c=2. Thus one dimension is below the upper critical dimension of the theory, and the critical behavior of the transition is controlled by an interacting fixed point, which we study via epsilon expansion. Comparisons will be made with the Hertz-Millis theory, which describes the ferromagnetic transition in higher dimensions.Comment: 4 pages. Presentation improved. Final version as appeared in PR

Hydrodynamics of Turning Flocks

We present a hydrodynamic model of flocking that generalizes the familiar Toner-Tu equations to incorporate turning inertia of well-polarized flocks. The continuum equations controlled by only two dimensionless parameters, orientational inertia and alignment strength, are derived by coarse graining the inertial spin model recently proposed by Cavagna et al. The interplay between orientational inertia and bend elasticity of the flock yields anisotropic spin waves that mediate the propagation of turning information throughout the flock. The coupling between spin current density to the local vorticity field through a nonlinear friction gives rise to a hydrodynamic mode with angular-dependent propagation speed at long wavelength. This mode goes unstable as a result of the growth of bend and splay deformations augmented by the spin wave, signaling the transition to complex spatio-temporal patterns of continuously turning and swirling flocks.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figure