Quantum mechanics "not quantized"

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of quantum mechanics (QM) as "not quantized," as mentioned in a lecture series. Participants explore the implications of this statement, particularly in relation to the Schrödinger equation and concepts such as perturbation parameters and Riemann surfaces. The scope includes theoretical interpretations and personal reflections on the lecture content.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the lecturer's claim that QM is "not quantized," seeking clarification on the context and meaning of this assertion.
  • Another participant notes that the free particle in QM is not inherently quantized, suggesting a distinction between different scenarios within quantum mechanics.
  • Several participants reference specific timestamps in the lecture to locate the discussion of quantization and related concepts.
  • There is mention of the lecturer's use of analogies and examples, which some participants find helpful for understanding complex topics.
  • One participant expresses interest in the mathematical aspects of the lecture, particularly regarding complex variables and their application in QM.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the interpretation of QM as quantized or not. While some acknowledge the lecturer's perspective, others challenge or seek clarification on the implications of such statements, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific parts of the lecture and the associated mathematical concepts, but there are limitations in understanding the full context without further details from the lecture itself. The discussion also reflects varying levels of familiarity with the material presented.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and enthusiasts of quantum mechanics, particularly those exploring the nuances of quantization and mathematical interpretations within the field.

maka89
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Hi, I am currently watching this lecture series, and was wondering about something. At some point the lecturer says that QM is "not quantized", because if you express your solution to the Schrödinger equationby introducing a pertubation parameter [itex]\epsilon[/itex], you will go smoothly from one energylevel to the next if you integrate episilon around the singularities in the complex plane(or something like that). Can anyone elaborate? And what does he mean by Riemann Sheet?

Here's the link :)
 
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The lecture is 1 hour and a half long. You will have to be more precise than "at some point."
 
I think the link was set to the point were he says it? If not i will fix it later
 
I had a look at the first lecture.

It is very very good bringing together a lot of ideas I have gleaned elsewhere. Because of that I will be watching them all.

But so far he hasn't said it's not quantised - he will explain why its quantised.

However I have to say QM is not inherently quantised - the free particle isn't.

Thanks
Bill
 
I searched for "quant" in the time-indexed transcript that youtube automatically generates, and found the relevant part at 1:16:35.

No comment on the actual issue.
 
Its at 1:15 ish yes. But i shared the video so that it starts there.

Yeah its amazing, bhobba. I haven't managed to watch the entire series, but I got a hold of his book, which covers the topic as well. Much of it is pretty basic stuff, just that I wouldn't get the idea to apply it^^ except for the WKB/Boundary layer and multi-scale stuff that he gets into in the end of the course. That I don't quite understand

If you watch through the series, please take note of the time when he uses the analogy "Suppose you were walking down the street and someone asked you to solve the following eigenvalue problem...". I might just make a montage ^^

EDIT: And btw. Depending on if your uni has access, you can get his book as an ebook for free at http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4757-3069-2
 
He answers your query in detail in lecture 3.

I did complex variables in my math degree but didn't cover this - very interesting.

Thanks
Bill
 

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