Is quantum theory exact? The endeavor for the theory beyond standard quantum mechanics. Second Edition FQT2015. Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, 23-25 September 2015

Neils Bohr and Albert Einstein, in a photo realized by Paul Ehrenfest. on 11 December 1925. Credit: wikipedia

 

This is the Second Edition of the successful Workshop series: “Is quantum theory exact? The endeavor for the theory beyond standard quantum mechanics”, started in 2014, having as main aim to discuss the possible limits of validity of the quantum mechanics and the theories beyond the “standard” quantum mechanics, together with their possible experimental validation. For the 2014 Edition one can find more information on:

http://www.lnf.infn.it/conference/2014/FQT2014

From the theoretical point of view, since the Einstein-Bohr debate, quantum mechanics never stopped raising questions about its intimate nature and meaning. In particular, the transition from the microscopic world, where systems are observed in a superposition of different quantum states, to the macroscopic world, where systems have well defined positions (the so-called “measurement problem”), continued to puzzle the scientific community. For this reason, many scientists are searching for theories beyond the standard quantum formulation

From the experimental point of view, quantum mechanics is the best verified available theory. It is therefore a very compelling challenge to look for the small violations predicted by alternative quantum theories. The aim is either to put stronger observational bounds on the new theories, i.e. on model's parameters, or, much more exciting, to find a violation of standard quantum mechanics when compared to the new theories' predictions. In this framework, a deeper understanding of the possible limits of validity of the quantum superposition principle is a fascinating experimental challenge.

This meeting represents as well the kick-off meeting of the FQXi project " "Events" as we see them: experimental test of the collapse models as a solution of the measurement-problem", started 1 September 2015, a project financed by Foundational Question Institute (FQXi) in the framework of the call "Physics of what happens":

http://fqxi.org/community/forum/topic/2576

http://fqxi.org/grants/large/awardees/list

 

Sponsored by:

• Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi

The workshop is an occasion of discussion and brainstorming between senior and junior scientists to favour the collaboration between theoreticians and experimentalists as an endeavor for the possible theory beyond standard quantum mechanics."