Reexamining The Quantum Classical Relation

This is the first book on the subject of quantum-classical analogies. Although quantum and classical physics are founded on very different principles, similarities between quantum and classical phenomena are not uncommon. This fact was considered by physicists as a mere curiosity until, quite recently, it became clear that such analogies between quantum and classical physics can be exploited in theoretical as well as experimental work in emerging research areas such as quantum computing, nano-devices or unconventional light forms (localized light, frozen light).

At what level of physical existence does "quantum behavior" begin? How does it develop from classical mechanics? This book addresses these questions and thereby sheds light on fundamental conceptual problems of quantum mechanics. Quantum-Classical Correspondence elucidates the problem by developing a procedure for quantizing stochastic systems (e.g. Brownian systems) described by Fokker-Planck equations.

The ultimate introduction, textbook, and reference on decoherence and the quantum-to-classical transition. This detailed but accessible text describes the concepts, formalism, interpretation, and experimental observation of decoherence and explains how decoherence is responsible for the emergence, from the realm of quantum mechanics, of the classical world of our experience.