Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics
And Superstring Theories

By: Dr. Sam Vaknin
 

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Time Asymmetry Re-Visited (Abstract Only)

Anthropic Agents and the Increase of Entropy (Abstract Only)

The Science of Superstitions

The Decoherence of Measurement

The Quantum of Continuity


The Quantum String - An Integrative Approach

Following is a series of essay which, together, constitute a detailed overview of string theories and their possible aftermath.

I, then, proceed to develop a few ideas regarding a possible integrative approach.

Abstract

Strings

Strings are described as probabilistic ripples (waves) of spacetime (NOT in a quantum field) propagating through spacetime at the speed of light. From the point of view of an observer in a gravitational field, strings will appear to be point particles (Special Relativity). The same formalism used to describe ripples in quantum fields (i.e., elementary particles) is, therefore, applied.
Strings collapse (are resolved) and "stabilize" as folds, wrinkles, knots, or flaps of spacetime.
The vibrations of strings in string theories are their probabilities in this theory (described in a wave function).
The allowed, netted resonances (vibrations) of the strings are derived from sub-Planck length quantum fluctuations ("quantum foam"). One of these resonances yields the graviton.
Strings probabilistically vibrate in ALL modes at the same time (superposition) and their endpoints are interference patterns.
D-branes are the probability fields of all possible vibrations.

The Universe

A 12 dimensional universe is postulated, with 9 space dimensions and 3 time dimensions.
Every "packet" of 3 spatial dimensions and 1 temporal dimension curls up and creates a Planck length size "curled Universe".
At every point, there are 2 curled up Universes and 1 expressed Universe (=the Universe as we know it).
The theory is symmetric in relation to all curled Universe ("curl-symmetric").
All the dimensions - whether in the expressed Universe (ours) or in the curled ones - are identical. But the curled Universes are the "branches", the worlds in the Many Worlds interpretation of Quantum Mechanics.
Such a 12 dimensional Universe is reducible to an 11 dimensional M Theory and, from there, to 10 dimensional string theories.

In the Appendix we study an alternative approach to Time:
A time quantum field theory is suggested. Time is produced in a non-scalar field by the exchange of a particle ("Chronon").
 
 

Table of Contents

By Way of Introduction

A. Overview of String and Superstring Theories

B. More on the Inner Workings of String Theories

C. A Little History

D. Dualities

E. Particles

F. The Micro and the Macro

G. Black Holes

H. From Supergravity to Membranes
 
 

Go to Part II --->