The milq course focuses on conceptual questions with a minimum of formulas. It is based on a modern, pragmatic interpretation of quantum mechanics which has emerged since the 1990s together with the experimental ability to perform experiments on single quantum objects. The aim is a conceptually clear formulation of quantum physics.
Proper language plays a central role when speaking about quantum phenomena. In order to provide students with a linguistic tool they can use in discussions and reasoning, we formulated four “Basic Rules” (or “Reasoning Tools”) of quantum physics. They help to enable qualitative discussions of quantum physics, allow students to predict quantum mechanical effects qualitatively and help to avoid learning difficulties. They form a “beginners’ axiomatic system” for quantum mechanics.
- Rule 1 – Statistical behavior: A result of a single event cannot be predicted, it is random! Only statistical predictions (for many repetitions) are possible in quantum physics.
- Rule 2 – Ability to interfere: A single quantum object can contribute to an interference pattern, if there is more than one classically possible path leading to the same experimental result. None of these paths is then “realized” in the classical sense.
- Rule 3 – Definite measurement results: Although a quantum object does not have a fixed value of the measured quantity, you always obtain a definite measurement result. Repeating the same measurement may give a different result, though.
- Rule 4 – Complementarity: “Which-way” information and information about an interference pattern are mutually exclusive. A quantum object cannot be prepared with a definite position and a definite momentum at the same time.
Download a presentation on milq and the reasoning tools (GIREP2019)