Emergence of classical trajectories in quantum systems: the cloud chamber problem in the analysis of Mott (1929)

TL;DR

This paper analyzes Mott's 1929 work on alpha-ray tracks, highlighting its significance in quantum mechanics foundations and early decoherence theory, by examining the theoretical context, approach, and main results.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of Mott's pioneering approach to quantum trajectories and their emergence, connecting foundational issues with decoherence theory.

Findings

Mott's analysis explains classical trajectories in quantum systems.

The work links quantum mechanics foundations with decoherence.

It highlights the historical importance of Mott's contribution.

Abstract

We analyze the paper "The wave mechanics of $\alpha$-ray tracks" (Mott, 1929), published in 1929 by N.F. Mott. In particular, we discuss the theoretical context in which the paper appeared and give a detailed account of the approach used by the author and the main result attained. Moreover, we comment on the relevance of the work not only as far as foundations of Quantum Mechanics are concerned but also as the earliest pioneering contribution in decoherence theory.