De Broglie-Bohm theory books/material recommendations....

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for books and materials related to De Broglie-Bohm theory, particularly in the context of preparing for a bachelor's thesis. Participants explore the nature of the theory, its controversial status, and the feasibility of pursuing it at the undergraduate level.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue a thesis in De Broglie-Bohm theory, indicating a rejection of traditional quantum mechanics interpretations.
  • Another participant notes that De Broglie-Bohm theory is a conceptual topic primarily focused on the foundations of quantum mechanics, suggesting it may not have a strong technical focus.
  • Several book recommendations are provided, including works by Bohm & Hiley, Durr & Teufel, Bell, and Holland, which are deemed accessible for undergraduates.
  • There is a suggestion to narrow the focus of the thesis to a specific aspect of De Broglie-Bohm theory, as the topic can be very broad.
  • Advice is given to read recent reviews, derive the quantum potential, and assess the theory's reception among physicists.
  • A participant shares their experience of attempting to secure a thesis supervisor, indicating a lack of response from their quantum mechanics teacher.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the nature of De Broglie-Bohm theory as a conceptual and somewhat controversial topic. However, there is no consensus on the specific aspects to focus on for a thesis or the feasibility of the topic at the undergraduate level, as individual experiences and opinions vary.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the broad scope of De Broglie-Bohm theory and suggest that certain advanced topics, such as relativistic extensions, may be inappropriate for undergraduate research.

pablo.93
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Hi PF,

im finishing my bachelor soon and I would really like to do my thesis in De Broglie-Bohm theory.
I know its a controversial topic but i refuse to accept the statistical crazyness of qm(i passed qm already).
Im not a super good student so I´m asking you for some books on this theory, or just maybe name some topics in general that I should know perfectly well before starting my thesis in this topic.

Also, is a thesis in this topic doable at bachelor level?

Thanks!Pablo
 
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Hey Pablo,

This topic can be a bit controversial, I think it should be clear to you that dBB theory/BM is a conceptual topic mostly in the foundations of QM/physics, namely a realistic interpretation of QM in the spirit of theoretical physics with not necessarily so much of a technical focus on the underlying mathematics or applications per se. That said, if you can find an advisor and are willing to go through with it, then I'd recommend at least the following three books:
  1. Bohm & Hiley 1993, The Undivided Universe: An Ontological Interpretation of Quantum Theory
  2. Durr & Teufel 2009, Bohmian Mechanics: The Physics and Mathematics of Quantum Theory
  3. Bell 2004, Speakable and Unspeakable in Quantum Mechanics: Collected Papers on Quantum Philosophy
These books should all be understandable to an undergrad. As the topic can be extremely wide - as is any deep topic - when studied seriously, I would advise you as an undergrad to limit yourself to a very particular aspect of BM i.e. choose carefully what it is exactly you want to know about BM; for example, I'd say relativistic extensions are beyond the scope of an undergraduate thesis.

Of course, whatever route you end up taking, I would also advise you to read the latest reviews on the theory, give a physics derivation of the quantum potential, present both strengths and weaknesses of the interpretation, and try to gauge the popularity of BM among physicists and physics students, both at your university and worldwide.
 
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The above is a great advice. I would only add the book
4. P.R. Holland 1993, The Quantum Theory of Motion
 
Thank you both!
I will take a look into those books.
I emailed my qm teacher asking him to supervise me and he hasnt answered yet... its been like 3 weeks haha. Thats probably a no. So i will try luck somewhere else.
Cheers!
 

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